The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Delnorte Bondurant (NSN: 0-116244), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a torpedo plane while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces near the Caroline Islands on 17 February 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bondurant successfully led his section of carrier-based torpedo planes against heavily defended enemy shipping. He obtained a direct hit amidships on a large enemy freighter which exploded and sank. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.