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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" to Major James Philo Hagerstrom (ASN: 0-727447), United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 21 November 1952, while serving as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, against enemies of the United Nations, in Korea. With his flight leader, Major Hagerstrom was flying at 25,000 feet when he sighted two enemy MiGs at 5,000 feet moving to intercept our fighter-bombers. He bounced down on his target, closed to 1400 feet, fired a short burst with hits being scored in the fuselage. Firing again he observed hits in the engine section followed by a series of explosions. Major Hagerstrom closed to 500 feet with hit hits causing the MiG to disintegrate with the canopy and other large pieces breaking off, some of them hitting Major Hagerstrom's aircraft. With his fuel at a critically low point and his aircraft damaged by debris he broke off his attack. Through the courage, tenacity, superior tactical skill and marksmanship he displayed on this mission Major Hagerstrom succeeded in destroying one enemy aircraft, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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 Major James Philo Hagerstrom (ASN: 0-727447), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a F-86 type aircraft, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 25 February 1953. While in aerial flight, Major Hagerstrom observed one MiG-15 on the tail of a F-86 type aircraft, piloted by Captain Harold E. Fischer. Immediately, Major Hagerstrom pressed his attack and with superb airmanship, positioned himself on the tail of the MiG-15. With accurate firing and exceptional airmanship, he was able to destroy the MiG-15 attacking Captain Fischer's aircraft. As the MiG-15 tried to break off and escape from Major Hagerstrom's attack, the enemy aircraft began smoking and with expert marksmanship, Major Hagerstrom fired several short bursts into the enemy aircraft sending parts of it flying around Major Hagerstrom's aircraft as it went spinning to the ground thus saving Captain Fischer from possible severe damage or complete destruction of his aircraft and possibly saving the pilot's life. Through Major Hagerstrom's alertness and strong desire to destroy the enemy, he aided the United Nations efforts in Korea by destroying one MiG-15 type aircraft in this encounter. Through his skill, courage and devotion to duty, Major Hagerstrom has brought great credit
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 128 - September 13, 1950
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 Sergeant Robert W. Hammonds (ASN: RA-10104377), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 24th Infantry Division Artillery, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 14 July to 28 August 1950.
General Orders: All Hands (January 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Carl W. Harris, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Member of a Patrol Plane Crew in Patrol Squadron Forty-Seven (VP-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 2 July to 25 December 1950. Completing thirty-five combat missions during this period, he participated in daring strikes against the enemy in the face of imminent hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition. By his outstanding skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: All Hands (June 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Leonard K. Hawkenberry, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), during operations against enemy aggressor force in Korea from 8 July 1950 to 28 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, he participated in patrol and reconnaissance flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards and contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His skill, courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Floyd C. Haxton (MCSN: 0-13627), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of a Plane attached to Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron Five Hundred Thirteen (VMF(AW)-513), engaged in a night intruder mission in the Singosan area of northern Korea on the night of 7 September 1951. Reconnoitering his assigned area by the light of flares from a flare dropping aircraft, he succeeded in locating a motor convoy which was traversing a tortuously winding mountain road. Despite a haze condition which reduced visibility to a hazardous minimum, terrain features which obviously would tax the capabilities of his aircraft to the utmost, and intense anti-aircraft fire, he commenced a series of relentless attacks which resulted in the complete destruction of one tank and two trucks and extensive damage to two tanks and six trucks. Major Haxton's telling blow to the enemy's armored might and logistical capability was realized only through the most superb application of technique and complete knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of his aircraft. His alertness, efficient actions, and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Floyd C. Haxton (MCSN: 0-13627), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of a Plane attached to Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron Five Hundred Thirteen (VMF(AW)-513), engaged in a night intruder mission in the Singosan area of northern Korea on the night of 11 September 1951. Despite hazards presented by mountainous terrain and a haze condition which seriously reduced visibility, he carefully reconnoitered his assigned area with the assistance of a flare dropping aircraft and succeeded in locating a number of vehicles proceeding in convoy along a canyon road. Quickly assessing his best avenue of approach and escape, and undaunted by the hail of anti-aircraft fire which greeted his first attack, he executed a series of attacks which reduced six trucks to flaming ruins and extensively damaged five more. Major Haxton persisted, seeking out individual vehicles until a projectile struck the canopy of his aircraft and he himself was wounded by fragments. His alertness, efficient action, and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
By direction of the President, Airman Second Class Vernon C. Hayden, Air Force 13419496, United States Air Force, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Airman Second Class Vernon C. Hayden distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as gunner of a B-26 attack bomber with the 3d Bombardment Wing, Light, Fifth Air Force, on the night of 28 January 1953. Airman Hayden displayed outstanding airmanship to a high degree of crew coordination on an armed reconnaissance mission over the enemy's main supply routes near Chinnampo, Korea. In the target area an enemy locomotive with a large number of boxcars was sighted and brought under immediate attack. Intense ground fire was encountered during the series of low-level bombing and strafing runs and was suppressed by Airman Hayden with his display of superior serial marksmanship. As a result, two 50-caliber gun emplacements and numerous small arms positions were destroyed. Airman Hayden was also instrumental in the destruction of the locomotive and eight boxcars. This highly successful mission deprived the enemy the use of valuable military equipment and supplies as well as their means of transportation. By his outstanding courage and devotion to duty, Airman Hayden has brought great credit upon himself, his organization, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
Special Orders G-306 (1953)
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 First Lieutenant James Audy Hays (AFSN: FR-51191), United States Air Force, for exceptional courage while participating in aerial flight with the 6167th Operations Squadron, 6167th Air Base Group, Fifth Air Force, on 26 January 1953. First Lieutenant Hays, as pilot of an unarmed, unescorted C-46 type aircraft, flew a classified intelligence mission very deep within enemy held territory. To avoid detection by enemy radar stations, the aircraft was flown at altitudes of only five hundred feet above surrounding terrain. The target was located in an area only ten miles from a known operational airfield which contained enemy jet aircraft. The area also was known to contain a large number of enemy anti-aircraft batteries and searchlights. Disregarding his own personal safety, First Lieutenant Hays stayed in the target area until he had successfully located the target. Successful location of the target necessitated flying at an altitude of five hundred feet above rugged, mountainous terrain even though visibility was approximately three miles. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Hays has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: All Hands - June 1954
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Thomas Bibb Hayward, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Jet Fighter Plane attached to Fighter Squadron Fifty-One (VF-51), based on board the U.S.S. Valley Forge (CV-45), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 April 1953. Leading a four-plane flight in a strike against a camouflaged and heavily defended enemy troop billeting and supply area, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hayward skillfully directed a series of well-coordinated attacks in the face of intense and accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire, personally destroying eight buildings and damaging five others. Subsequently, when the division proceeded on an armed reconnaissance of the Majon-ni-Wonsan supply route, expending their remaining ordnance on camouflaged trucking shelters, he personally destroyed two additional buildings and damaged three others. By his superb airmanship, courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hayward contributed materially to the reduction of the enemy's war-making potential and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 36 - January 16, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edwin Lewis Heller (ASN: 0-797827/FR-9900), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over North Korea on 17 November 1952. He was leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. Major Heller's flight was attacked by two MiG-15 aircraft which he immediately outmaneuvered, separating the two enemy aircraft. He closed on one, fired and hit it, causing it to spin out of control. The pilot, unable to recover, bailed out. Major Heller was credited with one MiG-15 destroyed. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Major Heller has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, Eighth United States Army Korea (EUSAK)
General Orders No. 301 - 22 March 1951
Captain Joseph W. Hely, 01329944, Infantry, United States Army. Captain Hely, a member of the 2nd Helicopter Detachment, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight near Choksong-ni, Korea. On 14 January 1951, Captain Hely took off in an H-13D helicopter on a relief and aerial evacuation mission. At the time of his departure, he realized that the destination, which had to be reached by flying across very treacherous terrain in enemy territory, was a small perimeter held by friendly forces under siege by the enemy. Prior to take off, the fate of another helicopter which had departed for this area the previous day and had not returned, was unknown. Captain Hely proceeded to the designated area, and despite active enemy ground fire, landed within the perimeter which was under small-arms and mortar fire. After contacting the commander of the force to ascertain his needs, Captain Hely, subjecting himself to hostile small-arms and mortar fire, assisted in loading the seriously wounded into his helicopter for evacuation. He then took off, circling the enemy positions within range of automatic-weapons fire, until sufficient altitude was gained, to fly ever the surrounding enemy-held mountains. Constantly at great personal risk, until the .intervention of darkness, Captain Hely repeatedly flew this same mission carrying ammunition on his return trip to the perimeter. While leaving the perimeter on his last trip, he contacted an Air Force aircraft, and arranged a fighter strike in support of the ground troops, designating the target area by flying over the enemy positions at a low altitude. Captain Hely's extraordinary achievement reflects great credit on himself and the military service. Entered the federal service from Missouri.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Ordnanceman William C. Hewitt, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Member of a Patrol Plane Crew in Patrol Squadron Forty-Seven (VP-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 2 July to 25 December 1950. Completing thirty-five combat missions during this period, he participated in daring strikes against the enemy in the face of imminent hostile anti-aircraft fire and aerial opposition. By his outstanding skill, courage and loyal devotion to duty throughout, he contributed materially to the success of his squadron and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard R. Hinrichs, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for services as set forth in the following citation. For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of a plane in Marine Fighter Squadron 323 during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 December 1951. Leading a seven plane flight over enemy territory in search of a downed pilot and an observer, Captain Hinrichs reconnoitered the area at extremely low altitude until he had located the airmen and although subjected to persistent hostile automatic weapons fire throughout the action, guided a friendly ground patrol to the position to effect the rescue. With the primary task completed, he led his flight in a series of daring strafing and dive-bombing attacks on a group of enemy bunkers and, despite hostile ground fire, scored four direct hits which completely destroyed six emplacements and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. By his marked courage, skilled airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty, Captain Hinrichs upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 471 - July 14, 1953
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 First Lieutenant Albert Victor Hodges, Jr. (AFSN: 0-2224077), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-86 with the 36th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter Bomber Wing, Fifth Air Force, on 15 June 1953. Leading a flight of four F-86 aircraft, Lieutenant Hodges displayed outstanding leadership, navigational skill, and exceptional combat effectiveness while leading his flight through a hazy overcast near dusk over hazardous mountainous terrain near Oun-san Mountain in the "Door Knob" - "Punch Bowl" area, North Korea. With the aid of a mosquito controller, Lieutenant Hodges located the target, an enemy strongpoint, and initiated an attack. Lieutenant Hodges, making a dangerously low dive bombing run on the enemy positions, displayed exceptional accuracy by scoring direct hits. Pulling up from his run, Lieutenant Hodges then orbited the target area directing the remaining members of his flight in their attack, resulting in a damage assessment of twelve personal shelters destroyed, ten mortar positions damaged, eight automatic weapons positions damaged, and one hundred yards of trench destroyed. There was also one huge secondary explosion observed by the controller. June 15th was the day after the breakthrough in friendly lines in the "Door Knob" area and this was Lieutenant Hodges' fourth close support lead for the day. As a result of this highly successful mission, enemy positions which had previously been launching savage attacks in the recent "big push" against the United Nations Forces were wiped out, greatly weakening the enemy's potential in this area. By his outstanding leadership, skill, and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hodges has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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 Captain James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Interceptor Group. Captain Hopkins performed an act of extraordinary achievement as wing man flying Number Two position in "Red" Flight of a thirteen F-80 aircraft formation in an airfield strike on Sinuijuu Airfield, North Korea, on 1 November 1950. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire of both light and heavy caliber, Captain Hopkins unhesitatingly made repeated attacks with great skill and daring on gun positions and enemy aircraft on the ground. Despite most effective concealment, Captain Hopkins sought out and attacked gun positions and enemy aircraft on the ground. With a high degree of performance in which Captain Hopkins conducted his assignment he contributed greatly to the successful completion of the mission which destroyed five and damaged three enemy aircraft plus two gun positions. Through his daring, skill, devotion to duty and desire to serve the Air Force, Captain Hopkins has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Major Jay W. Hubbard is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron Three Hundred Twelve during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 October 1951. Leading a ten-plane mission against the enemy's main supply route to the city of Pyongyang, Major Hubbard skillfully maneuvered his flight into position for an attack against the railroad despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Cutting the track in several places when he scored direct hits with his bombs on the first run, he then carried out repeated and accurate attacks upon boxcars at a nearby siding, destroying two of them and thereby hampering the enemy's efforts to maintain an adequate flow of supplies. By his courage, skilled airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty, Major Hubbard upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] William M. Huey, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), during operations against enemy aggressor force in Korea from 8 July 1950 to 28 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, he participated in patrol and reconnaissance flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards and contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His skill, courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: All Hands (June 1953)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 37- 29 April 1953
Major William P. Hunt, Jr., Infantry, United States Army, a member of the 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight over enemy-held territory near Naechon, Korea, on 21 June 1952. Serving as air officer and pilot with the division, he voluntarily piloted an unarmed observation aircraft to provide support and information to friendly ground forces assaulting a strategic hill. Realizing that the heavy smoke pall arising from the battle area obstructed ground observation, Major Hunt circled the area at low altitudes under intense hostile fire. Through radio contact with friendly forces, he reported enemy troop locations and adjusted artillery and mortar fire. During the mission, the airplane was operating within the trajectory of friendly artillery shells, many of which were equipped with radio proximity fuses set to detonate the projectile upon coming within 20 yards of an object. Fully aware of the odds against him, he continued to direct firepower until the mission was successfully completed, but while covering the withdrawal of friendly elements, his airplane was hit by a projectile and crashed to the ground, mortally wounding him. Major Hunt's heroic actions enabled the battalion to accomplish its mission and inflict heavy casualties on the foe. His consummate devotion to duty reflects great credit on himself and upholds the highest traditions of the military service.
General Orders: All Hands (June 1953)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Wylie M. Hunt, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6), during operations against enemy aggressor force in Korea from 8 July 1950 to 28 January 1951. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, he participated in patrol and reconnaissance flights over an active combat area in the face of grave hazards and contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His skill, courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.