The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then First Lieutenant] William J. Bohnaker (ASN: 0-22357), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while participating in the first mass flight of B-17’s from Hamilton Field, San Rafael, California, to Hickam Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, as Navigator on 12 – 13 May 1941. This flight of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was the pioneer flight from the mainland to Hawaii upon which future operations of land based aircraft were developed. The mission was accomplished in the face of adverse winds which necessitated a flight of maximum duration. The combined efforts of each crew member resulted in the safe arrival of all airplanes involved on the flight. The services of Lieutenant Colonel Bohnaker reflect highest credit to the military forces of the United States.