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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Edwin William Rawlings (ASN: 0-18005), U.S. Army Air Corps (Reserve), for heroism while participating in an aerial flight from Luke Field, Territory of Hawaii, to Hilo, Island of Hawaii, on 14 May 1930. Lieutenant Rawlings was pilot of a LOENING amphibian plane, flying number three positioning the flight of three amphibians which were part of a group flight of 16 planes engaged in a tactical training flight. At about 11:07 a.m. one of the bombing planes fell out of control at an altitude of about 8,000 feet, and the crew were forced to take to their parachutes, landing in the rough sea. At the time of the accident and throughout the day a very strong wind was blowing, whipping up the waves to a dangerous height. With disregard for his own personal safety Lieutenant Rawlings landed his plane in close proximity to the men in the water in an attempt to effect their rescue, but owning to the high wind and waves, and a missing motor, he was unable to maneuver his plane after landing. However, by his prompt action the crew of a Navy flying boat was able to see the men in the water and effect their rescue. Lieutenant Rawlings and his mechanic were not rescued from their plane until about 7 p.m. that day.