The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Edward Ellis (NSN: 0-63180), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane and Commanding Officer of Air Group EIGHTEEN (AG-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands 24 – 26 October 1944. Commander Ellis led his Air Group on the first strike by allied forces against the largest of the enemy’s battleship task forces in the Sibuyan Sea. Acting as target coordinator, oblivious of great personal risk he circled within range of terrific enemy anti-aircraft fire, deliberately and coolly directing the attacks of our airmen on the enemy warships. Thereafter, flying as much as ten hours a day for three days, he led and coordinated strikes against this force and the enemy carrier task fore to the north, attacks that resulted in the sinking of all four carriers of the latter force, and the sinking or damaging of other warships of both forces. His fearless and relentless leadership and his indomitable direction of the attacks counted heavily in this irreparable blow to the enemy. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.