The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Radioman Third Class Samuel A. Muntean (NSN: 4014222), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Gunner of a plane in a Bombing Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. While participating in the first dive-bombing attack against the Japanese invasion fleet, after a safe pull-out from his dive, he succeeded in defending his plane against fierce assaults of enemy Japanese fighters by skillful and timely fire of his free machine-guns, thereby aiding the pilot to escape. His coolness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.