Franklin Roosevelt actually said...
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States and as Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, it is hereby ordered that an Air Medal, with accompanying ribbons, be established for award to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States, subsequent to September 8, 1939, distinguishes, or has distinguished, himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
Context
Executive Order 9242-A—Amending Executive Order No. 9158 of May 11, 1942, To Provide That the Air Medal May Be Awarded to...
09/10/1942