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Evans, William Robinson, Jr.

Date of birth:
August 11th, 1918 (Indianapolis/Indiana, United States)
Date of death:
June 4th, 1942
Mentioned on:
United States Memorial for the Missing Honolulu
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Ensign
Unit:
Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8), U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8), U.S. Navy
Citation:
"The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to William Robinson Evans, Jr. (0-098626), Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Grimly aware of the hazardous consequences of flying without fighter protection, and with insufficient fuel to return to his carrier, Ensign Evans resolutely, and with no thought of his own life, delivered an effective torpedo attack against violent assaults of enemy Japanese aircraft fire. His courageous action, carried out with a gallant spirit of self-sacrifice and a conscientious devotion to the fulfillment of his mission, was a determining factor in the defeat of the enemy forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Navy Cross

Sources

  • - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
    - Home of Heroes

Photo