The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Douglas M. Cossitt, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner in a United States Navy airplane in attacks against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 and 5 June 1942. His marked integrity in maintaining continuous fire in the face of such tremendous odds and his complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.