tarbridge Posted March 11, 2018 Share #1 Posted March 11, 2018 A new group... Harry J. Hawthorne AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 1 Distinguished Service Cross AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Colonel Division: 5th Air Force GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 104 (September 13, 1946) CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Air Corps), [then Major] Harry J. Hawthorne (ASN: 0-385412), United States 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 Commanding Officer of the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, in the Bismarck Sea Battle on 2 and 3 March 1943. Colonel Hawthorne led his aircraft through hazardous weather conditions on a daring low-altitude attack against a large enemy convoy. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and fierce fighter opposition, his crew shot down two enemy airplanes, and his bombers scored numerous hits, sinking or damaging several Japanese vessels. By his indomitable courage and outstanding leadership, Colonel Hawthorne played an important role in that heavy blow against Japanese operations in the Southwest Pacific Area. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Hawthorne 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted March 11, 2018 Author Share #2 Posted March 11, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajbUSWM Posted March 11, 2018 Share #3 Posted March 11, 2018 Very nice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Posted March 11, 2018 Share #4 Posted March 11, 2018 Great grouping Robert, thank you for letting us see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Jack Posted March 11, 2018 Share #5 Posted March 11, 2018 For the medal guys, they could collect a lifetime, and it would be very difficult to find a grouping any better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Keith Posted March 11, 2018 Share #6 Posted March 11, 2018 Just WOW! BKW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decwriter Posted March 11, 2018 Share #7 Posted March 11, 2018 Fantastic grouping Robert! Thanks for sharing it with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wharfmaster Posted March 11, 2018 Share #8 Posted March 11, 2018 Thatsalota decorations. Nice !Wharf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted March 11, 2018 Share #9 Posted March 11, 2018 I love early 5th AF groups . Thanks for showing it! Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottplen Posted March 11, 2018 Share #10 Posted March 11, 2018 Nice group !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted March 11, 2018 Author Share #11 Posted March 11, 2018 This was cool...when they forced crashed on the reef and had been spotted...stated they were standing on the wings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Dentino Posted March 11, 2018 Share #12 Posted March 11, 2018 Wow, great group again Robert!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Barickman Posted March 11, 2018 Share #13 Posted March 11, 2018 Another great DSC grouping in your collection Robert! Congrats, Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted March 11, 2018 Share #14 Posted March 11, 2018 That is a WOW group, Robert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted March 11, 2018 Share #15 Posted March 11, 2018 Nice group...congrats! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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