The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edward F. O’Day, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for heroism while serving as bombardier on a heavy bombardment mission against the enemy over enemy occupied France, 2 August 1944. Anti-aircraft fire hit the plane as it approached the target area and started a fire in the bomb bay. Lieutenant O’Day would not salvo the bombs while over Paris despite the imminent danger of explosion. Having released the bombs in open country, Lieutenant O’Day attempted to extinguish the fire. When given the order to bail out, he refused to do so until he had made certain the navigator had safely jumped. The courageous devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant O’Day on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.