AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross Pursuant to authority contained in Circular 55, U.S. Army Forces, China, Burma and India, dated 29 May 1944, and under the provisions of AR 600-45, dated 22 September 1943, the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is hereby awarded to Ben F. Hagelthorn, 1Lt for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. He distinguished himself while participating in combat flight from bases in China during the periods indicated. Extensive destruction of material and heavy casualties to personnel resulted from his operations throughout China, Burma, and over the China Seas. Enemy installations, supply concentrations, lines of communication and vessels were among the targets Lt. Hagelthorn and his crew struck. In a majority of their missions they experienced very heavy fire from enemy ground installations and repeated attacks by hostile aircraft, but they carried out their assigned tasks with resolution and coolness. The achievements and courage of Lt Hagelthorn and his crew reflect great credit on the Army Air Forces.