The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant David M. Bidwell (MCSN: 0-37736), United States Marine Corps Reserves, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against the enemy, while serving as a pilot attached to a Marine Observation Squadron in support of a Marine Division in action on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 3 April to 28 April 1945. Second Lieutenant Bidwell participated in numerous flights in an unarmored plane over enemy territory, flying at dangerously low altitudes. Often, because of bad weather conditions and poor observation, he flew so low as to be in danger, not only from enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, but also from friendly artillery fire. By his courageous actions and untiring devotion to duty, he aided materially in the destruction of many enemy positions. His actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantAction Date:
April 29 – May 17, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant David M. Bidwell (MCSN: 0-37736), United States Marine Corps Reserves, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against the enemy, while serving as a pilot attached to a Marine Observation Squadron in support of a Marine Division in action on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 29 April to 17 May 1945. Second Lieutenant Bidwell participated in numerous flights in an unarmored plane over enemy territory, flying at dangerously low altitudes. Often, because of bad weather conditions and poor observation, he flew so low as to be in danger, not only from enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, but also from friendly artillery fire. By his courageous actions and untiring devotion to duty, he aided materially in the destruction of many enemy positions. His actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.