The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward Richard Coogan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Low Light Level Television Sensor Operator over Laos on 11 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 26 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of numerous secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 294 rounds of hostile antiaircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Coogan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward Richard Coogan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Low Light Level Television Sensor Operator over Laos on 24 April 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 44 hostile supply vehicles and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. The outstanding results produced by this mission indicate his exceptional courage while threatened by over 700 rounds of deadly accurate antiaircraft fire, and his superior skill in operating his sensor system. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Coogan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.