AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Korea
MODEL:  B-26

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Harold L. Hitchens. Captain Hitchens distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy-held North Korea on 13 December 1952. Flying as Pilot of a B-26 type aircraft, 17th Bombardment Wing Light, Fifth Air Force, engaged in a night interdiction mission, Captain Hitchens displayed outstanding airmanship and flying skill. In the vicinity of Singosen, Korea, a large enemy convoy was sighted. Tem bombing attacks were made which caused four secondary explosions destroying six vehicles and cutting a main supply route in four places. Captain Hitchens then initiated a series of low-level strafing passes causing fires and explosions which further halted traffic in the area. These attacks were pressed over hazardous mountain terrain despite intense fire from enemy automatic weapons and were continued until all ordnance was expended. As a result of this highly successful mission, vital enemy supplies and transportation facilities were destroyed. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, Captain Hitchens brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.