AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  Stinson L-5 Sentinel

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Edward R. Coakley, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of an Observation Plane in Marine Observation Squadron FIVE during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 1 to 18 March 1945. Flying an unarmed plane at dangerously low altitudes during this period, Second Lieutenant Coakley located and marked with several smoke grenades an enemy command post, thereby enabling supporting dive bombers to score direct hits on the Japanese installation. By his intrepid airmanship and skilled performance of duty in the face of intense hostile antiaircraft and small-arms fire, Second Lieutenant Coakley contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.