The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Caleb Vance Haynes (ASN: 0-11055), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., over the South Atlantic route to Africa and points in Asia Minor, and return, from 31 August 1941 to 7 October 1941. As pilot and commander of the B-24 airplane on the initial survey flight to Basra, Iraq, and return, Lieutenant Colonel Haynes displayed outstanding initiative, resourcefulness and a high degree of skill under the many trying conditions encountered on this hazardous mission of great responsibility. This round-trip flight covered a 26,000 mile route, with stops at fourteen strange airports, which were in general too small for successful operation of the B-24 airplane, each landing requiring expert handling by Lieutenant Colonel Haynes. The total elapsed flying time was 109 hours and the average air speed was 238 miles per hour. The successful accomplishment of this mission without incident resulted in the South Atlantic route being pioneered, many airports surveyed as to their adequateness for use by the Ferrying Command, bases of operation selected, and recommendations made for establishment of new airports to serve as alternatives for transoceanic flights, and the needed improvement and enlargement of facilities at existing airports were noted. This outstanding flight reflects the highest credit on the military forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Caleb Vance Haynes (ASN: 0-11055), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander and Pilot of a flight from Bolling Field, Washington D.C., to Prestwick, Scotland and return, from 1 July to 10 July 1941. Stops en route were made at Gander Lake and Montreal, without mishap. Accomplishment of this pioneer flight was made under unfavorable weather conditions and icing at high altitudes (22,500 feet) in a total of 28 hours trans-oceanic flying of which 9 hours were strictly by instrument. All members of the crew exhibited untiring energy and meticulous care while flying in a war area of the United Kingdom in an unarmed ship. Likelihood of hitting barrage balloons and an extremely low ceiling with weather reports suppressed added top the hazards of the mission. As Chief of the North Atlantic Division of the Air Corps Ferrying Command while participating in this outstanding achievement, the services of Lieutenant Colonel Haynes reflect the highest credit on the military forces of the United States.

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 Major (Air Corps), [then Captain] Caleb V. Haynes (ASN: 0-11055), U.S. Army Air Corps, for heroism while participating in an aerial flight from Langley Field, Virginia, to Santiago, Chile, on 4, 5, and 6 February 1939. As Commander and Pilot of the XB-15, Major Haynes transported, without hesitation and under emergency orders, a total of 3,250 pounds of Red Cross medicinal supplies to Santiago, Chile, under conditions which were extremely hazardous and exacting. Loaded to absolute maximum capacity, the XB-15, under the superior pilotage of Major Haynes, cleared Langley Field, Virginia, before daylight on 4 February, and adhered thereafter to a rigid flight schedule which involved the penetration of unfavorable flying weather, a night landing at Panama, night take-offs at Panama and Lima, Peru, and an arrival on schedule at Santiago, Chile, early on 6 February 1939. Major Haynes’ extraordinary ability, devotion to duty, and excellent leadership made possible the successful accomplishment of this mission of mercy and thus reflected great credit upon the military service.