The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Edward Frances Roddy (ASN: 0-432210), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 342d Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action over Arawe, New Britain, on 17 December 1943. Captain Roddy was flight leader of a formation of eight P-47D2 type airplanes which were flying on patrol when one enemy reconnaissance type airplane was sighted. He dived to attack and, in the ensuing engagement, fired a short burst into the enemy airplane which crashed into the sea. This was the fifth enemy airplane destroyed by Captain Roddy in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Force of the United States.




