Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

Pilot Torpedo Squadron 87 (VT-87), U.S.S. Ticonderoga (CV-14)

Awarded on:

September 22nd, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VT-87), attached to the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in an attack on an enemy battleship in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 24 July 1945. In the face of intense and accurate heavy and medium anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and shore batteries, Ensign Willett skillfully and with great determination pressed home his attack against the Japanese battleship and scored a direct bomb hit which contributed materially to the ultimate sinking of that vessel. His courage and determination in carrying out his attack to a successful completion were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01896 (September 22, 1945).