The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Ernest Lenard Hillbert (NSN: 3821865), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner of an airplane in a Bombing Squadron in the Battle of Midway, 4 – 5 June 1942. During the first of two dive-bombing attacks against enemy Japanese naval forces, Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Hilbert, by maintaining skillful and continuous fire from his free machine guns, enabled his pilot to escape the devastating enemy fighter attacks. While pursuing the same bold fearless tactics in the second attack, he was shot down. His courage and outstanding devotion to duty in these perilous engagements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.