The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Thaddeus S. May (ASN: 6551867), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a member of the 23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), SEVENTH Air Force, while participating in an aerial battle off the Island of Midway, on 4 and 5 June 1942. Technical Sergeant May was in a formation of airplanes which scored direct hits on at least one enemy aircraft carrier, one enemy battleship, and one destroyer, in addition to the destruction of at least four enemy Zero fighter planes. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant May, 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.