The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Alonzo N. Hathway (MCSN: 0-15355), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as member of Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMTB-233), during operations against enemy Japanese land installations and shipping in the Solomon Islands-New Britain area from 1 November to 10 December 1943 and from 16 January to 14 February 1944. After taking part in numerous attacks and scoring direct hits on enemy airfields at Lakunai, Vunakanau and Tobera, First Lieutenant Hathway set out on 14 February, on a night aerial mine-laying mission in Simpson harbor, Rabaul, and, displaying expert flying skill and indomitable courage, made a long, level flight at slow air speed and at precariously low altitude directly over solid concentrations of heavy, automatic anti-aircraft weapons and searchlights. Spotted by numerous Japanese searchlights before reaching his objective and forced to maneuver his plane through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from both shore and ship batteries, he remained steadfast on his course and, despite severe damage to his plane, released his mine in its assigned position. First Lieutenant Hatchway’s superb airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.