The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Edward John Huxtable, Jr. (NSN: 0-77138), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a Carrier-Based Aircraft Squadron, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Islands of Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas Group, from 15 June to 30 July 1944. Providing air support for ground troops, Commander Huxtable repeatedly led his flight against the enemy and, in the face of intense anti-aircraft opposition, attacked enemy guns that were harassing our troops, destroyed them and enabled the ground troops to advance. On another occasion, he participated in a hazardous low-level attack on enemy troops in a gully and caused heavy enemy casualties. As Air Coordinator, he directed a bombing attack on the Tinian landing beach which reduced opposition to the first invading troops and later sent an attack against coastal guns that were damaging our naval warships and landing craft. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.