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.