The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Walter Campbell Sweeney, Jr. (ASN: 0-18080), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber and Commander of the 431st Bombardment Squadron, 11th Bombardment Group (H), HAWAIIAN Air Force. Colonel Sweeney led his squadron in action at Midway Island against the Japanese Fleet from 3 to 6 June 1942, being opposed by enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft fire which demanded the highest type of courage. The extraordinary leadership and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Sweeney have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Hawaiian Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.