The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Earnest A. Clegg, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Radioman and Free Machine Gunner in an airplane of a Scouting Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on 4 to 6 June 1942. By his determined and effective counter-fire against enemy fighters, he enabled his pilot to press home an attack against enemy forces. His courage and tenacity in the face of heavy fighter and anti-aircraft opposition and his complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.