Frederick S. Hinze, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Frederick S. Hinze, Jr. (0-728660), Captain (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 529th Bombardment Squadron, 380th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force (Attached to RAAF), while participating in a bombing mission on 26 October 1943, against enemy ground targets off the Island of Tinian. Captain Hinze landed his plane in the water in spite of having his right hand and right side of his face blown off. In managing to land his plane despite his injuries, he saved the lives of six members of his aircraft’s crew. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hinze on this occasion, at the cost of is own 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.