Earl L. Hageman, Jr.

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.