Wilmer Earl Gallaher

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Wilmer Earl Gallaher, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Squadron Commander in Scouting Squadron SIX (VS-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Participating in a devastating assault against a Japanese invasion fleet, Lieutenant Gallaher, with fortitude and resolute devotion to duty, pressed home his attacks in the face of a formidable barrage of anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition. His gallant perseverance and utter disregard for his own personal safety were important contributing factors to the success achieved by our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.