The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Wesley Barnes, Jr. (NSN: 0-83902), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), on 4 June 1942 during the “Air Battle of Midway,” while flying combat air patrol over our surface ships. In company with his section leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnes, in company with his Section Leader, pressed home the initial attack against an 18-plane formation of Japanese dive-bombers and fighters and on this single attack he shot down the leading enemy bomber and damages another. This courageous action marked the beginning of the utter confusion which quickly developed among the attacking Japanese planes as he repeated his aggressive attacks. Other friendly fighters subsequently rushed in to assist in the rout of the enemy planes whose objective was obviously our surface ships, including the U.S.S. YORKTOWN, which were only a short distance away. Through his skill and daring Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnes personally shot down one and damaged two other enemy dive-bombers and one type “Zero” enemy fighter. In making his repeated attacks against the enemy planes, his own plane was severely damaged by machine gun fire from enemy planes; however, despite this grave difficulty he brought his plane back and landed it safely aboard a carrier. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Barnes’ courage, determination and utter disregard of personal safety were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.