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) Walter E. Gurley (ASN: 0-427642), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Navigator of a United States B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 31st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, in aerial operations during the Battle of Midway, between 3 and 7 June 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Gurley, 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.