William James Schaller
Encyclopedia
William James Schaller was an officer in the United States Navy
during World War II
. He was awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William James Schaller (NSN: 0-299575), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 24 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. Ensign Schaller pressed home his torpedo attack on an enemy battleship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire to score a hit which severely damaged it. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Schaller was born on May 1, 1918 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
. He died on February 15, 1993.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Battle of Leyte Gulf, also called the "Battles for Leyte Gulf", and formerly known as the "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea", is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and, by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in history.It was fought in waters...
.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign William James Schaller (NSN: 0-299575), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action on 24 October 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. Ensign Schaller pressed home his torpedo attack on an enemy battleship in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire to score a hit which severely damaged it. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Schaller was born on May 1, 1918 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
. He died on February 15, 1993.