Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Executive Officer, USS Grayling (SS-209), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 21st, 1944

Citation:
"for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Engineer Officer and later as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. GRAYLING (SS-209), in action against enemy Japanese forces during five of the six hazardous War Patrols completed by that Submarine prior to 4 May 1943. Exercising sound judgment and superior technical knowledge, Lieutenant Commander Bonin rendered invaluable assistance to his ship throughout numerous offensive attacks and courageously supervised his depth-charge station during severe enemy countermeasures, thereby contributing materially to the success of the GRAYLING in sinking five hostile vessels totaling 26,007 tons. The splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Commander Bonin under extremely difficult conditions were an inspiration to his associates and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."