Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Ensign

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 8 (VB-8), U.S. Navy (Bombing Squadron 8 (VB-8), U.S. Navy)

Awarded on:

February 1943

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHT (VB-8), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for his own personal safety and in the face of intense antiaircraft fire, Ensign King participated in determined and effective bombing and strafing attacks on fleeing enemy Japanese forces, obtaining a successful hit on one of the enemy ships. His airmanship, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943).