The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James P. O. Lyle, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Patrol Plane Commander during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on 4 – 5 June 1942. On the morning of 5 June, when it became certain that the enemy was attempting to withdraw from action, with cool courage and persistent aggressiveness he braved hostile anti-aircraft fire and superior fighter opposition in order to locate, report and successfully trace important naval units of the Japanese Fleet. His loyal devotion to duty, maintained at great personal risk against tremendous odds, contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.