The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edward F. Bickford (ASN: 0-710031), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations on 26 February 1945 and 11 April 1945. When a force of enemy aircraft attacked his flight in the vicinity of Halle, Germany, Lieutenant Bickford unhesitatingly pursued an enemy aircraft at point blank range and destroyed it. Subsequently he attacked a second Messerschmitt 109 and fired several bursts into the fuselage and wings. As the hostile aircraft dived toward the ground, Lieutenant Bickford followed in pursuit and caused the enemy aircraft to spin into the earth.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edward F. Bickford (ASN: 0-710031), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.