The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Emmet DeGarmo (NSN: 0-85002), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight Pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Bomber on 22 May 1945. He made a bombing attack upon an enemy transport and two escorting patrol craft proceeding southward through the East China Sea to reinforce the Nansei Shoto Area. In spite of low cloud ceiling and in the face of accurate anti-aircraft fire he scored a bomb hit which broke the back of the transport and contributed to the expeditious destruction of the entire enemy fore. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Emmet DeGarmo (NSN: 0-85002), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Nansei Shoto and the Japanese home islands of Honshu and Kyushu. As pilot of a carrier-based torpedo-bomber during the period from 16 February to 3 June 1945, he participated in forty strikes, inflicting extensive damage upon enemy shipping, airfields, and military installations. His determination, courage, and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Emmet DeGarmo (NSN: 0-85002), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a carrier-based Torpedo Squadron operating in support of landing and ground operations on Okinawa Shima on 6 April 1945. Engaging in his twentieth combat flight since 16 February 1945, against the defenses of the inner Japanese Empire he led his squadron in determined attacks against enemy airfields, artillery emplacements, and defensive positions, affording invaluable aid to the progress of the advancing ground forces. His courageous leadership, determination and skill in the execution of these attacks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Emmet DeGarmo (NSN: 0-85002), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a carrier-based Torpedo Squadron assigned to attack elements of the Japanese fleet in Hiroshima Bay on 18 March 1945. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy warships and surrounding shore batteries during his approach to the target he led his flight on a skillfully executed glide bombing attack against a large fleet tanker and a screening destroyer, scoring direct hits which stopped both vessels dead in the water and in flames. His courageous leadership and determined prosecution of this attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.