The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Raymond Charles Bales (NSN: 0-76157), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Liberator engaged in search missions over enemy held territory and disputed sea lanes, far from home base, during the period 1 November 1943 to 24 March 1944. On 9 March 1944, Lieutenant Commander Bales made a courageous and daring attack on a Japanese Merchantman at Kapingamarangi Island. In the face of determined anti-aircraft fire, four low-level strafing runs were made which resulted in knocking out the bow gun, set two fires in the after end and sunk small boats attending the ship. This burning and disabled ship was shortly completely demolished by a cooperating PB4Y-1 of the same squadron. His display of courage, initiative and skill in pressing home an attack in the face of enemy fire, far from home base, 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 Commander Raymond Charles Bales (NSN: 0-76157), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. During the period 24 March 1944 to 30 may 1944, as Commander of a Navy Liberator airplane, he made numerous extended patrols in the presence of enemy units; he engaged in attacks upon small enemy merchantmen, luggers and shore installations. He sank or destroyed two small merchantmen and three luggers, and damaged four small merchantmen and shore installations. His actions on these occasions showed outstanding courage, professional skill and aggressiveness, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Raymond Charles Bales (NSN: 0-76157), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Commander Bales, during the period from 2 March 1945 to 1 April 1945, while based at Clark Field, Luzon, Philippine Islands, made daring and courageous attacks upon enemy vessels as Commander of a Privateer Aircraft on armed reconnaissance far over enemy waters. His attacks, often made in the face of anti-aircraft fire, resulted in the sinking of one SUGAR CHARLIE, one SUGAR DOG, the almost certain destruction of a FOX TARE DOG and damage to three FOX TAR CHARLIES and a SUGAR DOG. His actions on these occasions showed outstanding courage, professional skill and aggressiveness, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.