The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Henry M. Bourgeois (MCSN: 0-11948), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area from 30 September 1943 to 8 October 1943. Captain Bourgeois completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Henry M. Bourgeois (MCSN: 0-11948), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Solomon Islands Area. On 30 June 1943, First Lieutenant Bourgeois took part in a flight of eight Corsairs in an interception of enemy planes over Rendova Island. In action that followed Lieutenant Bourgeois sighted a plane heading southwest of New Georgia Island. Seeing that it was an enemy twin-engine, he immediately made several aggressive attacks on the hostile aircraft causing it to spin and crash into the water. On 27 July 1943, Lieutenant Bourgeois took part in a fighter escort for TBF’s in a strike on enemy shipping at Bougainville Islands. Again displaying determination and excellent marksmanship, he completely destroyed two enemy Zeros, and sent both crashing into the water. In addition to the above engagements, he took part in numerous routine patrols, escort missions, and fighter interceptions, flying a total of seventy-five combat hours in this area. His aggressive spirit, bravery in the face of enemy odds, and marksmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.