Assigned to 349BS, 100BG, 8AF USAAF. Mortally wounded by 20mm cannon shell, despite wound, attempted on several occasions to assist pilot Lt Sumner Reeder with control of B-17 42-5957 6-Sep-43. Killed in Action (KIA).

Awards: DSC, AM, PH.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation:

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Flight Officer Harry E. Edeburn (AFSN: T-60794), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, during a high altitude bombardment mission over Germany on 6 September 1943. During a continued running battle against enemy fighter planes, Flight Officer Edeburn was mortally wounded by the explosion of a cannon shell. Although mortally wounded, Flight Officer Edeburn attempted to remain at his post, and when made to lie down, tried many times to return to the co-pilot's position. Flight Officer Edeburn's courage and devotion to duty in the face of death were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States."
General Orders: Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 97 (17th December, 1943)