The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Ernest Judson Davis, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Gunnery Officer on board the Air Craft Carrier U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), 4 to 6 June 1942, during the Battle of Midway. Because of his comprehensive understanding of anti-aircraft gunner problems and by his unique ability to imbue his men with an incomparable fighting spirit, Lieutenant Commander Davis brought his Gunnery Department into battle in the high state of readiness which enabled them to destroy many attacking aircraft, and in spite of the severe casualties suffered by his gun groups, to meet and defend the YORKTOWN against a vigorous torpedo attack and with rate of fire undiminished and high morale unimpaired. From his dangerously exposed position, personally directing the batteries, he was largely responsible for the fighting effectiveness of these groups. While acting as one of the volunteer salvage party on 6 June, when he devised a plan which contributed greatly to the reduction of the ship’s dangerous list, Lieutenant Commander Davis was knocked overboard by the explosion of an enemy torpedo and seriously injured by the shock of exploding depth charges of the sinking U.S.S. HAMMANN. Lieutenant Commander Davis’ actions, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.