The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) William Reid Auman (ASN: 0-659859), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a combat crew member of a United States B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 1st Provisional Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), attached to the 42d Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, in the Battle of Midway between 3 and 7 June 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Auman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.