The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant George F. Bonifant (NSN: 0-337681), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-SEVEN (VF-87), embarked in U.S.S. TICONDEROGA (CV-14), in operations against major Japanese warships on 24 July 1945 in the Inland Sea. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane, he participated in a coordinated bombing attack on a converted Japanese battleship by fighter, bomber and torpedo aircraft. Pressing home his attack in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he contributed materially to an attack which was successful in sinking the vessel. His courage and disregard for his own personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.