The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign James Alex Halford, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, on 6 June 1942. While on a combat patrol, Ensign Halford, at great personal risk, made a determined attack against enemy aircraft approaching the U.S.S. YORKTOWN and assisted in the destruction of at least one enemy airplane. On 6 June 1942, he delivered an effective strafing attack against two enemy Japanese heavy cruisers and two destroyers, inflicting heavy damage on those enemy vessels. His skill as an airman, his courageous perseverance and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.