The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederick William Beidelman, Jr. (NSN: 0-116717), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomons Islands area. On 4 February 1943, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Beidelman of Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16) participated, as the pilot of an Avenger Bomber, in an attack against an enemy task force composed of twenty destroyers and protected by twenty to thirty Zero type fighter planes. In the face of enemy fighter aircraft and heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Beidelman so maneuvered his plane that he obtained a direct hit upon one of the enemy destroyers.

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, Junior Grade Frederick William Beidelman, Jr. (NSN: 0-116717), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Section Leader in a group of Torpedo Planes which engaged an enemy force of two battleships and two destroyers in the Mindanao Sea, 25 October 1944. Despite a determined attack by enemy fighters the enemy force was sighted when the planes were extremely short of fuel. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire which damaged his plane, he courageously pressed home a vigorous attack scoring a probable hit on a battleship. As a result of this action an enemy battleship was left dead in the water and the remaining units were routed. His courageous conduct and skill during this action were outstanding, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.