The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Edward Walter Rucker, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Luneville, France, 13 June 1918. Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, First Lieutenant Rucker and three flying companions fought brilliantly, a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission near Luneville, France.