The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Metalsmith Third Class William Clare Lawe (NSN: 3109246), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as free machine gunner of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), Naval Air Station, Midway, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 and 5 June 1942. In the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Aviation Metalsmith Third Class Lawe, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, effectively manned his machine gun in the face of a tremendous barrage of fire from numerous Japanese fighter planes and anti-aircraft batteries. His courageous determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.