Edward J. O’Rourke

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Edward J. O’Rourke, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 389th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 25 December 1944, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant O’Rourke on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.