The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Albert H. Wilson, Jr. (NSN: 0-70314), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Flight Deck Officer of the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 – 6 June 1942. As leader and director of a party which repaired the flight deck after damage sustained by three enemy bombs, Lieutenant Commander Wilson was principally responsible for the YORKTOWN’S ability to launch planes in sufficient time to intercept a Japanese aerial torpedo attack. On 6 June, as member of the volunteer salvage party, he personally inspected stricken areas below decks in dangerous proximity to the gasoline stowage system and one compartment where a fire had been burning for two days. While returning from one of these inspections, he was painfully injured when concussion from exploding enemy torpedoes caused a heavy hatch to strike his head and arm. Nevertheless, with utter disregard for his own condition, he persisted in helping evacuate the wounded from aboard ship to a rescue tug alongside. His courageous initiative and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.