The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William J. Bedford (MCSN: 0-12833), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 31 March to 12 May 1943. Captain Bedford completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William J. Bedford (MCSN: 0-12833), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 16 August to 21 August 1943. Captain Bedford completed his sixtieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.