AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  C-46, C-47, C-54

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Melvin E. Hodell for extraordinary achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a C-46, C-47 and C-54 pilot over Burma-China on 27 October 1945. During this period, Lieutenant Hodell is recognized for his aerial achievement while assigned to the 566th Army Air Force Base Unit, providing combat resupply and personnel transit flights over the most arduous and hazardous flying terrain in the world during World War II. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Hodell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Corps.