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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Edward C. Hicks, Jr. (ASN: 0-1183537), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights during the period from 5 August 1944 to 8 August 1944. The 343d Field Artillery Battalion, for which First Lieutenant Hicks was observing, was part of a task force which spearheaded the drive of the 90th Infantry Division on Mayenne and Le Mans, France. In order to remain in the air for long periods of time, he landed at fields along the route of the column without previous ground reconnaissance. By refueling on these fields, valuable time was gained for observations and fire missions. On 6 August 1944, First Lieutenant Hicks was fired on by German 20-mm. anti-aircraft guns from the vicinity of Aron, but he continued to adjust fire on the enemy. During the attack on Aron by the 3d Battalion, 357th Infantry Regiment, he adjusted on two tanks and two self-propelled guns. At Couians, during a heavy rain, he directed fire on a strongly held position, and, as a result, the advance was not held up and the town was taken. His continuous reporting to the task force commander on the advance of the leading elements materially aided the accomplishment of the task force mission. The outstanding services rendered by Lieutenant Hicks reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.