The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) Edward Frances Roddy (ASN: 0-432210), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight to the Admiralty Islands on 25 January 1945. Major Roddy volunteered to lead a flight of P-47 fighters as escort for a Catalina flying boat ordered out to attempt a rescue of a bomber crew reported down in the water. When, after a thorough but unsuccessful search of the area, the pilot of the rescue plane decided to return to his base, Major Roddy detailed his second element to escort the Catalina back and continued to look for the missing airmen, despite the fact that his fuel supply was running low and that he was within easy range of enemy ground fire. Twenty minutes later he located the downed crew and contacted the flying boat, which returned and effected the rescue. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Roddy are worthy of the highest commendation. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.