The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Edward F. Gouveia, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement by participating in more than three hundred (300) hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult Assam-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected, during World War II. Flying at night as well as by day, at high altitudes over impassable, mountainous terrain through areas characterized by extremely treacherous weather conditions necessitating long periods of operation on instruments, often encountering severe icing conditions and mechanical difficulties requiring courageous and superior performance of their respective duties to overcome, they accomplished their missions with distinction. Their heroic achievement in the face of the hazards and difficulties faced regularly and continuously with steadfast devotion to duty, reflects much credit on themselves and the Army Air Forces of the United States.