Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

Aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Houck Buracker (0-55970), Captain, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23), during operations in the Western Pacific during the months of September and October 1944. By his courageous and inspiring leadership of his Carrier and Air Group, Captain Buracker contributed directly toward destroying a large part of the enemy's navy and air force. When his own ship was heavily damaged by superior enemy forces, he made a heroic and determined effort to save her, with utter disregard for his own safety, even in the face of three great explosions, which efforts were continued until the tactical situation demanded that she be sunk by our own fire. The conduct of Captain Buracker throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0427 (16 December 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23)