Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Robert Irving Bedell (NSN: 0-126036), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as second pilot of a U.S. Navy PBY-5 Patrol Bomber engaged in hazardous anti-submarine patrol on 1 August 1943. When his plane was attacked by eight or more twin-engine enemy fighter aircraft over the Bay of Biscay, Lieutenant Bedell aided his patrol plane commander in taking the effective evasive action which enabled the gunners to inflict heavy damage on the enemy aircraft. One of the enemy planes was forced to land at sea as a result of damage sustained. Although during the engagement, Lieutenant Bedell’s plane was set afire, one starboard engine failed and one rudder was shot away, a crash landing in a very rough sea was effected with his able assistance. After escaping from the burning plane he swam to a life raft and opened and inflated it. He then assisted his patrol plane commander and a gunner, both of whom were seriously wounded, into the raft. In spite of leaks caused by gunfire, he kept the raft afloat partially by his own lung power. Throughout this action in which a single patrol plane fought against tremendous odds and inflicted heavy damage upon the enemy, Lieutenant Bedell displayed heroism and skill which reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received