The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Augustus Devoe, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an airplane in a Scouting Squadron, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway on 5 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he participated in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces, obtaining a damaging near-miss on a light cruiser in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. His stern fortitude and resolute devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective contributed to the victory achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.