The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Edward Morton Burns (NSN: 8356214), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa, Kyushu, Iwo Jima and Tokyo. As a crewman of a carrier-based plane during the period of 16 February to 11 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy airfields and installations, employing his equipment with such proficiency as to aid materially in the success of the missions. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.