Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

1st Bombing Squadron (VB-1), U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20), 2nd Carrier Task Force, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

October 12th, 1945

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] William Harold Huntley, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Bombing Squadron ONE (VFB-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet at the Kure Naval Base, Japan, on 28 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from numerous hostile warships and from many strategically located shore installations, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Huntley courageously carried out an aggressive attack against a large carrier and, although flying through adverse weather, scored one direct hit while other planes in his division obtained two near misses. By his airmanship and aggressive fighting spirit, he contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the hostile vessel and rendered valuable service during an epic strike in which all capital ships of the Japanese Fleet at Kure Harbor were either sunk or damaged. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Huntley's devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 02031

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)