The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Laurens A. Whitney, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while piloting a Scouting Plane in action in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. Participating in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces, Lieutenant Whitney maintained clam and courageous conduct while attacking in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. His grim fortitude and resolute devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important mission contributed materially to the victory achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.