William Johnston Hovde

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William Johnston Hovde (0-25753), Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 358th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 5 December 1944, during an air mission over Berlin, Germany. On that date Major Hovde was leading three squadrons of P-51s that were escorting B-17s and B-24s to Berlin, Major Hovde’s flight circled at 28,000 feet at the initial point for the bomb run. He spotted 80 FW-190s and ME-109s massed to attack the bombers. The Germans did not see him because of the sun, and he and his wingman were able to maneuver behind them. A wild swarming dogfight ensued. When he finally ran out of ammunition, Major Hovde ‘hit the deck.’ at full throttle with five and one- half victories, becoming an Ace in a single day. Major Hovde’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.