Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate

    Division:

    Byrd Antarctic Expeditionary Team (II)

    Action Date:

    1933 – 1935

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate William Milton Bowlin, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in a hazardous aerial flight of exploration over 900 miles of crevassed areas where travel by foot would have been impossible, to the eastward of Little America, as Co-Pilot and Mechanic with the Byrd Antarctic Expedition II on 18 November 1934, in the course of which a great plateau was discovered and it was determined also that the Edsel Ford Range of mountains extended far to the eastward. Aviation Chief Machinist’s Mate Bowlin showed great skill in climbing through clouds in order to be able to use the sun compass for accurate navigation and he used rare judgment in the maneuvering of the plane so as to prevent ice formations from causing a forced landing. His efficiency, courage, and loyalty were a great credit to the Naval Service.