The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas C. Provost, III, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighting Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. While engaged in combat patrol, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Provost, at great personal risk, made a determined attack against enemy aircraft approaching the U.S.S. YORKTOWNH, and assisted in the destruction of at least one enemy airplane. On 6 June 1942, he delivered an effective strafing attack against two enemy Japanese heavy cruisers and two destroyers, inflicting heavy damage on those enemy vessels. His skill as an airman and his courageous perseverance and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.