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 Francis Owen Burton (NSN: 0-116327), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight under fire, as Patrol Plane Commander of a Navy Liberator Search Plane in action against enemy forces near the Bonin Islands on 31 October 1944. In company with another Liberator Search Plane he made repeated low level strafing and bombing attacks against seven enemy merchant ships, and in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire from the ships and nearby shore batteries, and despite repeated attacks by five enemy fighter planes, he and the accompanying Liberator succeeded in sinking three merchant ships and seriously damaging the other four. His cool effective performance of duty and his display of courage under fire, with total disregard for personal safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Patrol SquadronAction Date:
July 9 – 10, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Francis Owen Burton (NSN: 0-116327), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in aerial attacks against the enemy as pilot of a Patrol Bomber attached to a Patrol Squadron operating in the Solomon Islands area on the night of 9 – 10 July 1943. Lieutenant Burton, while on a search mission for enemy surface craft, contacted and successfully tracked an enemy cruiser. He made a low altitude bombing run and despite the evasive action and anti-aircraft fire of the cruiser, scored two direct bomb hits just forward of amidships causing a terrific flash and explosion. As a result of his skillfully executed and daring attack, serious damage was inflicted upon a unit of the enemy fleet. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.