The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Seaman First Class Edward John Keaney, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner of a plane in a Bombing Squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. While participating in the first dive-bombing attack against the Japanese invasion fleet, after a safe pull-out from his dive, he succeeded in defending his plane against fierce assaults of enemy Japanese fighters by the skillful and timely fire of his free machine guns, thereby aiding the pilot to escape. His coolness and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.