The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Wayne C. Presley, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighting Squadron in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. As one of an escort group assigned to cover the approach of our dive bombers, Ensign Presley maintained continuous flight for an hour over the Japanese invasion fleet, thereby insuring an unopposed approach for our attacking planes. Later, during this battle, while participating in combat patrol, he sighted an enemy torpedo plane approaching the U.S.S. YORKTOWN and assisted in daring pursuit and eventual destruction of the enemy plane, which was shot down in flames. 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.