The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Squadron Leader William Keith Bolitho, Royal Australian Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during operations conducted in collaboration with the United States Navy. To accomplish the mining of the harbor and approaches at Balikpapan, Borneo, on 22 and 25 February 1944, Squadron Leader flew some 2,000 miles from the seaplane base at Fort Darwin, Australia, in a slow-moving, highly vulnerable craft, much of this distance being flown by daylight over waters patrolled by enemy aircraft and protected by enemy radar. With consummate skill and courage he made his run to the target at 200 feet altitude, into intense anti-aircraft fire from ships at anchor and from shore in stallions. His professional skill, courage, and complete disregard for his own safety were outstanding in this highly successful attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.