F1 William Lee “Bill” Sikes
Monument

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F1 William Lee “Bill” Sikes Veteran

Birth
Isabella, Worth County, Georgia, USA
Death
6 Jun 1942 (aged 20)
At Sea
Monument
Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, USA Add to Map
Plot
Courts of the Missing, Court 2
Memorial ID
View Source
Newspaper article states Abilene Reporter News, May 08, 1945. William Lee Sikes
HOME OF RECORD:
Sylvester, Georgia
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:1 of 1
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Fireman First Class William Lee Sikes, Jr. (NSN: 2685482), United States Navy, for gallantry in action for materially assisting in the saving of many lives as a member of a boat crew detailed to rescue survivors from the burning U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2) in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. Persistently returning to the side of the stricken carrier, Fireman First Class Sikes, under a hail of flaming debris, from exploding bombs, ammunition, and gasoline, performed strenuous rescue work in pulling men out of the water. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Buffalo (50696055)
Newspaper article states Abilene Reporter News, May 08, 1945. William Lee Sikes
HOME OF RECORD:
Sylvester, Georgia
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:1 of 1
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Fireman First Class William Lee Sikes, Jr. (NSN: 2685482), United States Navy, for gallantry in action for materially assisting in the saving of many lives as a member of a boat crew detailed to rescue survivors from the burning U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2) in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. Persistently returning to the side of the stricken carrier, Fireman First Class Sikes, under a hail of flaming debris, from exploding bombs, ammunition, and gasoline, performed strenuous rescue work in pulling men out of the water. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Buffalo (50696055)

Gravesite Details

Entered the service from Georgia.