Navy Federal Credit Union

William Bonneau became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He was killed in an air crach near Philadelphia on October 3, 1947.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Jerome Bonneau (NSN: 0-113024), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 16 February 1944, he was a section leader in the pre-dawn fighter sweep in the attack on the Japanese base at Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands. When ordered to cover other planes of his flight who were making strafing attacks his division was attacked by many enemy fighters. In the ensuing action he personally shot down four enemy fighters in flames. Though his plane was considerably damaged and his flap control and hydraulic pressure was shot away he brought his plane back to his base and landed aboard. Later in the day he participated in an attack on shipping in the Truk lagoon and preceded the dive bombing attack by strafing a Japanese light cruiser in the face of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire from this vessel. His forceful actions and combatant courage greatly contributed to the success of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Action Date:

    February 10 – April 18, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William Jerome Bonneau (NSN: 0-113024), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Tokyo, Iwo Jima, Kyushu and Nansei Shoto. As pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane during the period 10 February to 18 April 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields, and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1943

    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, Junior Grade William Jerome Bonneau (NSN: 0-113024), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot and section leader of Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in a strike against Japanese shipping in Rabaul Harbor, New Britain, on 11 November 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Bonneau and his wingman, after becoming separated from the planes they were escorting because of a violent rain squall, located and made three strafing runs on a Japanese heavy cruiser despite heavy anti-aircraft fire from the ship. Shortly after this they observed a section of torpedo planes from another group and proceeded to cover them during their retirement. This group was immediately attacked by Japanese fighters and in the ensuing engagement Lieutenant Bonneau destroyed one of the attacking planes. In a subsequent counterattack on a task force by enemy planes later in the same day, he shot down two additional enemy aircraft. His outstanding leadership and devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of both engagements. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945

    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0570 (July 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William Jerome Bonneau (NSN: 0-113024), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), while participating in an aerial attack on Major units of the Japanese Fleet in the East China Sea, on 7 April 1945. Under adverse weather conditions, and throughout intense anti-aircraft fire of all calibers, he dropped his bomb on an enemy cruiser, scoring a near miss which caused underwater damage and materially aided in the final destruction of the vessel. His courage under heavy fire, the skill of his attack, and his devotion to duty in the execution of this mission were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.