The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Middleton, Jr. (NSN: 0-176803), United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during action against powerful units of the Japanese Navy in the Battle off Cape Engano, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Launched from his parent carrier when the northern prong of the Japanese Fleet, proceeding off the Island of Luzon, swung from a south-easterly to a northerly course in an effort to escape our overwhelming THIRD Fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Middleton courageously took off in an eight-plane flight in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. With a Japanese carrier of the SHOKAKU Class as his target, he skillfully maneuvered for maximum striking power and, plunging through a deadly rain of bursting anti-aircraft fire, released his bomb load at perilously low altitude to score a direct hit on this vital man-o’-war. Undaunted by the unceasing gunfire of the entire enemy task force, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Middleton, by his expert flying ability, bold combat tactics and aggressive determination in the face of grave danger, had contributed to the success of his group in sinking this important warship and to the extensive damaging of another carrier during this decisive engagement. His valiant devotion to duty throughout the bitterly fought engagement reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.