The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant George E. Koutelas (MCSN: 0-9041), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. During the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Second Lieutenant Koutelas, under tremendous fire from Japanese fighter guns and anti-aircraft batteries, dived his plane to the perilously low altitude of four hundred feet before releasing his bomb. On 4 June, after less than four hours’ sleep, he participated in an assault which resulted in the severe damaging of a Japanese battleship. His cool courage and utter disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.