The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Wilmer Earl Gallaher, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot and Squadron Leader of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Squadron Commander in Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Participating in a devastating assault against a Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant Gallaher, with fortitude and resolute devotion to duty, pressed home his attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His courageous aggressiveness and inspiring leadership were contributing factors to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.