The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Meade Taylor Johnson (MCSN: 281360), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Radioman-Gunner in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, 4 and 5 June 1942. In a determined attack against the invading Japanese Fleet, Staff Sergeant Johnson, serving as rear-seat free machine-gunner, maintained fire in the face of overwhelming enemy fighter opposition and fierce anti-aircraft barrage. During a flight on the night of 4 June, he performed the important task of obtaining radio bearings, reporting them efficiently as called for by his pilot. Again, on 5 June, Staff Sergeant Johnson manned his rear-seat station through heavy anti-aircraft fire during an attack which effected considerable damage to an enemy battleship. His courage and devotion to duty throughout these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.