Dexter L. Hodge

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dexter L. Hodge, Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Hodge flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. Despite heavy enemy fire that that badly damaged his bomber, Major Hodge with great valor and aerial skill kept his ship airborne until it could be diverted for an emergency landing at Malta without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hodge on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.