The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Philip LeRoy Fulghum (NSN: 3933445), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving in a Navy Seaplane in Patrol Squadron FORTY-FOUR (VP-44), based at Midway Island, during the “Air Battle of Midway” on 4 and 5 June 1942. When the plane in which he was flying was attacked by three Japanese aircraft on 4 June 1942, Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Fulghum manned the bow gun in his plane and shot down an enemy plane. After his own plane was set on fire by enemy action, he entered the fuselage and on his own initiative released both bombs on safe before the crash and later assisted in the transfer of wounded personnel of his plane into the rubber life raft despite the fire in the burning wreckage. Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Fulghrum’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.