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 Staff Sergeant Edward Harper Caton (ASN: 6148046), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Photographer on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (H), THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces during a Photo Reconnaissance Mission on 31 July 1942, over Wake Island. Staff Sergeant Caton was a member of the crew of a B-17 flown by Major Glober that flew 1,300 miles to Wake Island to perform a photo reconnaissance, despite the fact that two previous attempts had been tried and the crews never returned. Despite being attacked by six enemy aircraft during three passes over the target, Staff Sergeant Caton succeeded in getting excellent pictures of his objective notwithstanding intense fighter opposition. Staff Sergeant Caton finished his photographic work then manned a gun for the duration of the air fight, during which he assisted in shooting down one Japanese airplane. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Caton on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.