 He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his outstanding service while commanding a PBY during a bombing attack on a Japanese naval force in Jolo Harbor, Sulu, Philippines, 27 December 1941.With his plane crippled after destroying an enemy plane which tried to down him, Deede crash landed at sea where he and his crew could be rescued.Lieutenant (junior grade) Deede was killed 17 June 1942 in the Asiatic area.