Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] William Benjamin Morton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. When our carrier forces were under attack by major units of the Japanese Navy, Lieutenant Commander Morton led a flight of unescorted torpedo planes in a daring attack against heavy and light enemy cruisers shelling a group of our escort carriers at close range. Despite a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire from the hostile warships, he contributed materially to the success of the close-range attack which resulted in the infliction of extensive damage by three probable torpedo hits. His gallant fighting spirit and intrepid actions upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] William Benjamin Morton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. When our carrier forces were under attack by major units of the Japanese Navy, Lieutenant Commander Morton led a flight of unescorted torpedo planes in a daring attack against heavy and light enemy cruisers shelling a group of our escort carriers at close range. Despite a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire from the hostile warships, he contributed materially to the success of the close-range attack which resulted in the infliction of extensive damage by three probable torpedo hits. His gallant fighting spirit and intrepid actions upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] William Benjamin Morton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. When our carrier forces were under attack by major units of the Japanese Navy, Lieutenant Commander Morton led a flight of unescorted torpedo planes in a daring attack against heavy and light enemy cruisers shelling a group of our escort carriers at close range. Despite a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire from the hostile warships, he contributed materially to the success of the close-range attack which resulted in the infliction of extensive damage by three probable torpedo hits. His gallant fighting spirit and intrepid actions upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] William Benjamin Morton, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VC-81), attached to the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), in action against the enemy Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, on 25 October 1944. When our carrier forces were under attack by major units of the Japanese Navy, Lieutenant Commander Morton led a flight of unescorted torpedo planes in a daring attack against heavy and light enemy cruisers shelling a group of our escort carriers at close range. Despite a withering barrage of anti-aircraft fire from the hostile warships, he contributed materially to the success of the close-range attack which resulted in the infliction of extensive damage by three probable torpedo hits. His gallant fighting spirit and intrepid actions upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: BarryC (#47806468)
Gravesite Details
US NAVY, Date interred: 2/26/1992
Family Members
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