The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Solon N. Bales (NSN: 0-251370), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operait ons against the enemy while serving aboard the U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS (CVE-66). Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bales led a two-plane fighter section in strafing attacks against four enemy battleships, five enemy heavy cruisers, and eight to ten enemy destroyers in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bales handled his section and his aircraft with skill, daring, and determination. In spite of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he personally was able to executive four diversionary strafing attacks directed at the bridges of two enemy battleships and one enemy heavy cruiser. His skill and daring devotion to duty in the successful accomplishment of this mission was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.