The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Harold Sydney Bottomley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78743), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Executive Officer of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces against a Japanese Naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands Campaign on 24 August 1942. Without regard for intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy air opposition he led his division of planes in a dive bombing attack with precision, vigor, and heroic determination. In so doing he severely damaged a Japanese aircraft carrier. His courage, skill and determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant Harold Sydney Bottomley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78743), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3), during the operations of the U.S. Naval forces against the Japanese occupied Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942. He led his flight in two and his division in a third attack against enemy land installations and troop concentrations, thereby assisting in completely silencing enemy opposition and assuring the success of our landing operations without undue casualties. In so doing he contributed in an extraordinary measure to the success and glorious invasion of our forces in that area. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.