The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] William Bartlett Fletcher, Jr. (NSN: 0-56820), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commander of a Naval Task Unit during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 7 April 1943. When he was notified that enemy aircraft were approaching his unit, Captain Fletcher maneuvered his ships, consisting of an attack cargo vessel and three merchant ships with one destroyer as an escort, into the open water. Ordering a second destroyer and a cargo vessel to join his formation, he succeeded in repulsing the attack with the limited anti-aircraft fire power available, destroying one plane and probably destroying several others. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Fletcher is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Libra (AKA-12)Action Date:
August 7 – 9, 1942
Commander South Pacific: Serial 080 (January 17, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander William Bartlett Fletcher, Jr. (NSN: 0-56820), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese air and naval forces, as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LIBRA (AKA-12), during the occupation of the Solomon Islands from 7 to 9 August 1942, and on subsequent trips into enemy-infested waters adjacent to Guadalcanal. Maneuvering his ship with great courage and skill, Commander Fletcher, in spite of continued attacks by enemy high altitude, dive-bombing and torpedo planes, landed vital and essential cargoes of food, ammunition and gasoline for our troops on four different occasions, without damage to his vessel. On 2 and 3 October, he also took part in the establishment of the garrison at Funafuti, Elice Islands, contributing materially to the success of the mission. His expert seamanship and heroic fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain William Bartlett Fletcher, Jr. (NSN: 0-56820), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service as Chief of Staff of Commander Transport Group South Pacific Force and Commander of an Attack Group during the stages of planning, mounting and training of large numbers of troops and the amphibious assaults on Bougainville and Guam, and while responsible for the maintenance and operation of a large number of ships and landing craft, the amphibious training and transportation of numerous units of the Navy, Marine Corps, United States Army and New Zealand Army, Captain Fletcher by his highly efficient and effective execution of his exacting and more than ordinary duties contributed largely to the success of the operations described. Captain Fletcher displayed exceptional ability and devotion to duty. His personal courage, self sacrifice and indomitable spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 78 (November 17, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain William Bartlett Fletcher, Jr. (NSN: 0-56820), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander Transport Group, South Pacific Force, and Commander of an Attack Group prior to and during the Amphibious Assaults on Bougainville, Solomon Islands, and Guam in the Marianas from 3 July 1943 to 26 August 1944. Efficient and untiring in the performance of an exacting and vital assignment, Captain Fletcher skillfully directed the maintenance and operation of a large number of ships and landing craft as well as the training and transportation of numerous units of the Navy, Marine Corps, United States Army and New Zealand Army. By his personal courage, indomitable fighting spirit and forceful leadership throughout the planning stages and the actual invasion operations, Captain Fletcher contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in these highly strategic theaters of war.