The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Horace Ancel Bass, Jr. (NSN: 0-106125), 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), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Ensign Bass, while on combat air patrol over our ships, in company with his section leader attacked a large group of enemy dive-bombers which were attempting to attack our ships. While making their attack on the enemy dive-bombers, Ensign Bass and his section leader were attacked by an enemy dive-bomber that had been forced to jettison his bomb and an enemy type Zero fighter. In this action, with marked coolness and great skill, Ensign Bass maintained his position as protection against planes attacking his leader from the rear. He shot down the attacking dive-bomber and damaged the enemy fighter. His daring and skill further rendered it possible for his leader to shoot down another enemy dive-bomber. His own plane was hit several times by the machinegun fire from the enemy planes. The outstanding courage and determined skill displayed by Ensign Bass were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.