Navy Federal Credit Union

Benjamin Bottoms was the first Enlisted member of the Coast Guard to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In this mission his pilot, Lieutenant John Pritchard became the first Coast Guard Officer to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross. Both men were Missing in action during this rescue mission.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Radioman First Class

    Division:

    U.S.C.G.C. Northland

    Action Date:

    November 28 & 29, 1942

    Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 497 (February 18, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Radioman First Class Benjamin Autrell Bottoms, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement displayed 28 and 29 November 1942, while participating in aerial flights as radioman of a plane incident to the rescue of Army Fliers stranded on the Greenland Ice Cap. He rendered valuable assistance to the pilot on the two flights to the Ice Cap in position 65 degrees 17.’2 North, 41 degrees 25.’5 West. Radioman First Class Bottoms rendered valuable assistance to the pilot on the two flights to the Ice Cap. He maintained excellent contact by radio between his plane and another ship, keeping her fully informed of the position of the plane, time of arrival at the scene of rescue operations, conditions prevalent at the scene, and other pertinent data. He assisted the pilot in rendering aid to the injured and stranded fliers. The courage and close cooperation between the pilot and excellent performance of duty displayed by Radioman First Class Bottoms in the rescue operations described above, in which two landings were successfully completed on the Ice Cap was outstanding, and reflects great credit and honor to the service.