Army Air Corps H-L

*HABERLE, FRANK J. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Frank J. Haberle (0-797671), Second Lieutenant (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-40 Fighter Airplane in the 307th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 January 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. On this date, Second Lieutenant Haberle shot down three enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Second Lieutenant Haberle's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 12th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 22 (1944)
Home Town: Union County, New Jersey

*HAGEMAN, EARL L., JR. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Earl L. Hageman, Jr. (0-417618), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 30th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 5 October 1942, against enemy Japanese targets in the Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Hageman on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 47 (1951)
Home Town: King County, Washington

HAGERSTROM, JAMES P.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James P. Hagerstrom (0-727447), First Lieutenant (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-40 Fighter Airplane in the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23 January 1944, in the Southwest Pacific. On this date First Lieutenant Hagerstrom shot down four enemy aircraft in a single engagement. First Lieutenant Hagerstrom's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 35 (1944)
Born: January 21, 1921 at Waterloo, Iowa
Home Town: Waterloo, Iowa

HAHN, DELBERT H.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Delbert H. Hahn, 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 B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 345th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force, 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 Hahn flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. Despite heavy damage, he kept his bomber under control until he could divert to a landing at Sicily, without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hahn 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.
Headquarters: Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 81 (1943)
Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

HALL, DONALD P.
(First Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald P. Hall, Lieutenant Colonel (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 B-25 Medium Bomber in the 3d Bombardment Group (L), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 28 July 1943, against enemy targets in Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Hall on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 62 (1943)
Personal Awards: 2@ Distinguished Service Crosses (WWII)

HALL, DONALD P.
(Second Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald P. Hall, Lieutenant Colonel (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 B-25 Bomber in the 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (L), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in bombing missions on 17 and 18 August 1943, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Hall on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 57 (1945)
Personal Awards: 2@ Distinguished Service Crosses (WWII)

HALL, JACK W. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jack W. Hall (0-412108), Second Lieutenant (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-40 Fighter Airplane in the 34th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 January 1942, in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date, Second Lieutenant Hall shot down one enemy airplane in aerial combat. Second Lieutenant Hall's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 12 (1942)
Home Town: Larimer County, Colorado

HAMBLETON, ROSCOE L. (DNB)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Roscoe L. Hambleton (0-421489), Captain, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission on 3 May 1942. Captain Hambleton's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces-China/Burma/India, General Orders No. 10 (1943)
Home Town: Arlington County, Virginia

HANING, WILLIAM F., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William F. Haning, Jr. (0-428817), First Lieutenant (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-38 Fighter Airplane in the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 11 March 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date First Lieutenant Haning shot down two enemy aircraft in aerial combat. First Lieutenant Haning's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 45 (1943)
Home Town: Sidney, Iowa

HANSON, ROBERT TAYLOR (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert Taylor Hanson (0-388665), First Lieutenant (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-40 Fighter Airplane in the 3d Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group, FAR EAST Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 11 December 1941. On this date, in aerial combat, First Lieutenant Hanson shot down one enemy aircraft. First Lieutenant Hanson's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Home Town: Alameda, California

HANTMAN, SIDNEY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sidney Hantman, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner and Observer in a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 322d Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, during a bombardment mission over Germany on 9 October 1943. Although he had completed his missions as a pilot and was serving as squadron Operations Officer, First Lieutenant Hantman volunteered to fill a crew vacancy by occupying the tail gunner observer position. Before arriving at the target area, his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and he was struck by an explosive shell which blew off his right arm at the shoulder, and caused a compound fracture of his right leg and inflicted extensive wounds to his right thigh. In total disregard of the pain of his wounds and without regard for the preservation of his life, Lieutenant Hantman remained at his post without first aid or assistance and continued to discharge his duties under enemy attack until he was on the verge of unconsciousness. He then began to work his way forward to obtain someone to take over his post at which time he collapsed from shock and loss of blood. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Hantman on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 15 (1944)
Home Town: Silver Spring, Maryland

HARDISON, FELIX M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Felix M. Hardison, 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 B-17 Heavy Bomber and Commander of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 26 August 1942, near Milne Bay, New Guinea, during a Japanese sea borne assault. Although hampered by extremely adverse weather conditions, Major Hardison sighted the enemy convoy, consisting of two light cruisers, one or two destroyers, and four armed transports, and divided his squadron into three flights to bomb separate targets. The runs were made at an altitude of two thousand feet. One transport was sunk, one cruiser sunk or damaged, and hits were scored on two other vessels. He then directed the flight to return to its base, but as his own bombs had failed to release, he returned alone to the target. In the face of accurate and intense antiaircraft fire, which seriously damaged his plane, he made twelve runs before he succeeded in releasing his bombs on an enemy warship. In this action, Colonel Hardison exhibited high courage and tenacity by dispersing the enemy convoy and forcing its withdrawal, and gained valuable time for Allied forces in the successful defense of this sector. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Major Hardison on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 62 (1943)
Home Town: Springfield, Missouri
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), 4@ Silver Stars (WWII)

*HARGIS, WILLIAM D., JR. (MIA-KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William D. Hargis, Jr. (0-429474), Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Navigator on a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy surface forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Lieutenant Hargis displayed extraordinary heroism during a torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. The success of the mission was dependent entirely upon the skill, courageousness and unfaltering devotion to duty of the crew members of the airplanes participating, who unhesitatingly entered into the attack at great personal risk to their own lives in the face of concentrated gunfire of the Japanese Naval forces and fighter planes. During this, the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Forces, the airplane on which Lieutenant Hargis was navigator, was lost. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Hargis on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 117 (1942)
Home Town: Haskel City, Oklahoma

HARRIGER, ROBERT L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Harriger (0-420595), First Lieutenant (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-39 Fighter Airplane in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the Southwest Pacific Area during World War II. First Lieutenant Harriger's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 29 (1943)

HARRINGTON, ARCHIBALD A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Archibald A. Harrington (0-885992), First Lieutenant (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-47 Fighter Airplane while attached to the 410th Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on the night of 25 November 1944. While attached to the RCAF to experience night-fighter operations, First Lieutenant Harrington shot down three enemy JU-88s in a single engagement on this night which, when combined with two previous aerial victories, made him an ACE. First Lieutenant Harrington's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 13 (1945)

*HARRIS, ARIZONA T. (MIA-KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Arizona T. Harris (6296272), Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Top Turret Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 369th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 3 January 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Harris on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 19 (1943)
Home Town: Maricopa County, Arizona
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), 2@ Air Medals, Purple Heart

HARRISON, EDGAR E.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edgar E. Harrison, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission in World War II Staff Sergeant Harrison's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself United States Army Air Forces.

HARRISON, JAMES A.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Harrison, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 May 1943, against enemy targets at St. Nazaire, France. En route to target the lead group got off-course and turned north before they should have. As a consequence, the two lead groups flew directly across the strongly defended area at Brest. Three of four of their aircraft were lost here. The leader of the 91st Group saw the error in time to make a sharp left turn. This carried our aircraft away from the danger zone before any additional casualties were suffered. However, the turn was so sharp that the Group formation became separated and returned to England in three separate flights. The aircraft of Lieutenant James Baird, flying in the tail-end position, became completely separated from the formation as a result of this maneuver. Seven FW-190s saw Lieutenant Baird's lone aircraft flying toward England, and determined then and there to destroy it. The continued their attacks for approximately 20 minutes. Lieutenant Baird descended to a minimum safe altitude and by good management and still better luck succeeded in getting back to England safely. Four members of his crew were wounded, but they succeeded in destroying three enemy aircraft. Sergeant James A. Harrison manned his guns bravely throughout in defense of his aircraft. His personal courage and devotion to duty on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 52 (1943)
Home Town: Ridgley, West Virginia

HASCALL, ALVA S.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Alva S. Hascall, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Radio Operator of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 January 1942, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Hascall on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 29 (1942)
Home Town: South Dakota

HASEK, IVAN S., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ivan S. Hasek, Jr. (0-767216), First Lieutenant (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-47 Fighter Airplane in the 353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 16 March 1945, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date First Lieutenant Hasek shot down two enemy aircraft in aerial combat. First Lieutenant Hasek's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 135 (1945)

*HASS, FLOYD N. (KIA)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Floyd N. Hass (0-770264), First Lieutenant (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-47 Fighter Airplane in the 391st Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on December 18, 1944. First Lieutenant Hass' unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 134 (1945)
Home Town: Chadron, Nebraska
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), 7@ Air Medals, Purple Heart