The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Edwin B. Breeding (NSN: 0-299287), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter plane attached to Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), aboard the Carrier U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during the occupation of Leyte Island, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Ensign Breeding, with utter disregard for his own safety, made continuous strafing attacks on capital ships of a Japanese Task Group, until his ammunition was expended. These daring attacks were made in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. His courage and gallantry were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.