AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-24

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross while a squadron leader of a flight of B-24 aircraft which took part in the first mass daylight raid against a heavily defended Japanese oil refining center in Balikpapan, Boreno on 30 September 1944 for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Carrying the maximum bomb and fuel load and with his ammunition supply cut in half, he flew a record distance of more than 2,500 miles over water without fighter escort to bomb an area where aggressive and determined enemy fighters pressed unrelenting attacks and when he encountered intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. On approaching the target his airplane was seriously damaged by hostile fire, but he maintained his position in the formation and completed a successful bombing run. With exceptional skill he then piloted his badly damaged airplane back to a safe landing. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Bone during this flight are worthy of the highest commendation an reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed forces of the United States of America.