Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6), U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6) (Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6), U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6))

Awarded on:

December 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of 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, Junior Grade, Kleiss, 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."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942).