Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Seaman First Class

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Seaman First Class Charles Joseph Bonness (NSN: 2834939), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as rear seat gunner in an airplane of a Scouting Squadron, in action against Japanese forces in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. Seaman First Class Bonness shot down one or more enemy aircraft while repelling an attack by numerous enemy fighter planes. His coolness, alertness, skill, and disregard for personal safety were directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy plane.