The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Leroy Richards (NSN: 0-71653), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Pilot of a PBY Patrol airplane in Patrol Squadron FORTY-FOUR (VP-44), Patrol Wing TWO, and Commander of a flight of four PBY planes during 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 and 4 June his flight successfully located the enemy at a distance of 560 miles from the base and attacked with torpedoes from close range. This successful surprise attack contributed greatly 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.