AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  HH-3E

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Rescue Crew Co-pilot of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 24 April 1968. On that date, Captain Hagen was instrumental in the rescue of a United States Army pilot shot down over the extremely hostile A Shau Valley area. Despite rapidly deteriorating weather conditions and intense opposing fire, Captain Hagen descended into the hostile area and effected the rescue of the downed pilot. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hagen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) Hagen, Harry W., Captain, United States Air Force is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Copilot near Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam on 16 May 1968. On that date, Captain Hagen penetrated an extremely hostile area in an attempt to rescue three wounded American soldiers. Captain Hagen directed fire suppression strikes during the hover as two survivors were rescued under hostile fire. Captain Hagen persisted to evaluate battle damage caused by the intense hostile fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hagen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) Hagen, Harry W. Jr., Captain, United States Air Force is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Copilot of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 12 May 1968. On that date, Captain Hagen entered an extremely hostile area to effect the night rescue of twelve seriously wounded personnel. The survivors were located in an extremely small landing zone surrounded by tall trees on the side of a steep mountain slope. With great determination and superior airmanship, Captain Hagen executed his second takeoff and departure on instruments, after dense cloud cover had drifted over his aircraft while effecting the second rescue of six survivors. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hagen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) Hagen, Harry W. Jr., Captain, United States Air Force is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 9 June 1968. On that date, Captain Hagen displayed outstanding aerial competence and courageous professionalism in the aggressive pursuance and acquisition of the assigned targets. The tenacity of this officer to attain the objective against formidable defenses is in accord with the highest military standards. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hagen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

5.) Hagen, Harry W. Jr., Captain, United States Air Force is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Rescue Crew Co-pilot of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 20 October 1968. On that date, Captain Hagen voluntarily penetrated one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam to successfully effect the rescue of two downed pilots who were the object of an intense artillery barrage. He established his aircraft as a decoy to draw fire away from them and for almost one hour was the object of heavy artillery fire. When a smoke screen was placed between the survivors and the hostile forces, he unhesitatingly brought his aircraft to a motionless hover over the two pilots and in the center of impacting ordnance recovered both men and safely exited the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hagen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.