The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Edward J. Aylward (Alyward), United States Navy, for heroism as Patrol Plane Commander in an aerial flight on 14 June 1944, in the Hawaiian Area. Lieutenant Aylward flew his plane 270 miles to sea and immediately located a U.S. Naval vessel. He landed his plane and had removed from the ship a seaman in need of an immediate operation. He then took off and delivered this patient to the nearest hospital. In completing this mission with no injury to personnel or damage to his plane, he demonstrated the highest qualities of skill and judgment, and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.