Hamilton B. Shawe

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Hamilton Bruce Shawe, Jr. (AFSN: 0-17395), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. On 1 October 1950, while serving as a pilot of the 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, First Lieutenant Shawe displayed an exceptional degree of flying skill, courage and competence. Alone in an unarmed reconnaissance aircraft, he flew 425 miles to his target, the port of Wonsan in Korea. Upon reaching his objective he made repeated photographic runs at a dangerously low altitude over the strongly defended beach and port area. In spite of his aircraft being repeatedly hit by enemy ground fire, Lieutenant Shawe continued making passes until his mission of nine runs was completed. Information gained from the excellent photographs taken by Lieutenant Shawe proved invaluable to the United Nations forces in their subsequent planning for the landing at Wonsan. Lieutenant Shawe’s conspicuous gallantry and outstanding skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force.