The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Jack W. Wilke (NSN: 0-104093), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Radioman/Bombardier of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), embarked from Naval Air Station Midway during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 and 5 June 1942. In the first attack against an enemy carrier of the Japanese invasion fleet, Ensign Wilke pressed home his attack in the face of withering fire from enemy Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft forces. Because of events attendant upon the Battle of Midway, there can be no doubt that he gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. His courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.