The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Edward Alexander Phillips (NSN: 0-305845), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Photographic airplane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), in action on 1 and 2 September 1944, in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire from numerous weapons he successfully completed his mission. His complete disregard of his own personal safety, his courage and his determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.