Romoser, William Kilian, RADM

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Radford (DD-446)
General Orders: Commander South Pacific Area and Force, Serial 001281 (July 19, 1943)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Kilian Romoser (NSN: 0-60197/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RADFORD (DD-446), during the landing of troops at Rice Anchorage, Kula Gulf, New Georgia Island on the night of 4 - 5 July 1943, during the battle with enemy surface forces off Kula Gulf and while conducting rescue operations of the survivors of the U.S.S. HELENA on the night of 5 - 6 July 1943. While engaged as screening vessel for the landing force at Rice Anchorage in the narrow confines of Kula Gulf contiguous to enemy held territory, Commander Romoser successfully covered our landing force against enemy attacks, during which time his ship silenced an enemy shore battery and made depth charge attacks on enemy submarines. His fearlessness, intrepidity, and skillful handling of his ship contributed materially to the success of the operation which continued for five hours until daylight, by which time all men and equipment were landed and all of our light transports retired undamaged. Upon the completion of this operation, Commander Romoser by his perseverance and tenacity succeeded in obtaining fuel, and ammunition for his ship in time to rejoin his regular task force for operations the succeeding night. On this night he took part in the battle with enemy surface forces off Kula Gulf during which time his ship engaged the enemy with guns and torpedoes and our forces succeeded in damaging or sinking all enemy vessels. After all enemy ships had been sunk or beached his ship was directed to rescue survivors of the U.S.S. HELENA who were then afloat in life rafts within five miles of enemy-held territory. Due to Commander Romoser's skillful handling, fearlessness, and devotion to duty his ship succeeded in rescuing four hundred and forty officers and men. During the rescue operations which were conducted for over three hours until after daylight, his ship was forced to abandon this rescue mission on three occasions to close enemy ships coming out of Kula Gulf. Due to his daring offensive action, disregard of his own safety, and professional skill his ship and one assisting destroyer succeeded in destroying one enemy light cruiser and one destroyer, and damaging another destroyer, as well as avoiding any damage to his own ship from enemy gunfire or torpedoes. Commander Romoser's heroism, fearlessness, intrepidity, courage, and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.