The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Aviation Radioman First Class Edward W. Bedford (NSN: 820553), United States Navy, for gallantry in action during an aerial flight from Australia to the Philippine Islands and return, from 27 April to 3 May 1942. Aviation Radioman First Class Bedford and his comrades executed, with marked skill and coolness, an important mission in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. With reduced crews, and with guns removed from the planes to lighten the load, they delivered to the besieged garrison of Corregidor essential medicines and other military supplies and on the return trip brought out members of the garrison. Their action in flying their unprotected planes through an area filled with hostile aviation to a place repeatedly subjected to heavy aerial attack showed high courage. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.