The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Ensign Gaylord Daniel Propst (NSN: 0-84175), United States Naval Reserves, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Patrol Plane Commander during the operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces on Midway Islands against the invading Japanese Fleet on 4 and 5 June 1942. On the night of 3 – 4 June 1942, his plane successfully located the enemy at a distance of 560 miles from the base and attacked with torpedoes from close range. His successfully locating the enemy and carrying out his assigned mission was a definite contribution to the ultimate success of our forces in the Battle of Midway. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.