AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Hamilton McWhorter, III for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Truk Atoll, Caroline Islands, February 16 17, 1944. Gallantly leading his section in escort of our bombers in a strike against hostile shore installations and shipping, Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) McWhorter countered an attack by numerous enemy fighters with fierce determination, personally shooting down three of the many Japanese fighters destroyed as he effectively protected the friendly bombers. Participating in another escort mission later in the day, he led his section in repeated strafing attacks to inflict severe damage to a Japanese destroyer and transport. Fighting his ship with outstanding skill during subsequent strafing attacks against grounded aircraft and shipping in Truk Harbor in the face of accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire from ships and shore batteries, he succeeded in destroying several additional planes on the ground and inflicted damage to hostile shore installations. His brilliant airmanship and indomitable fighting spirit through these hazardous missions reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Commander McWhorter and the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Hamilton McWhorter, III for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot and Flight Leader in Fighting Squadron Twelve, attached to the USS Randolph during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo area on February 16, 1945. Leading his group in a fighter sweep against enemy installations, Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant) McWhorter succeeded in destroying two grounded aircraft and in damaging another. Engaging two enemy fighter planes on recovery he shot one of the hostile craft from the sky. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Hamilton McWhorter, III for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron Twelve, attached to the USS Randolph during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Japanese Empire and adjacent island chains from February 16 to May 10, 1945. Participating in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant) McWhorter contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Hamilton McWhorter, III for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron Nine, attached to the USS Essex, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Roi-Namur, Marshall Islands, January 29, 1944. Undaunted by heavy anti-aircraft fire and powerful fighter opposition during the first surprise strike on Roi-Namur, Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) McWhorter carried out an attack against hostile aircraft and, by his airmanship and skilled combat tactics, succeeded in shooting down two enemy fighters and in destroying four bombers on the ground. His courage and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

5.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Hamilton McWhorter, III for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane and Section Leader in Fighting Squadron Nine, attached to the USS Essex during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Rabaul Harbor, New Britain, November 11, 1943. Assigned with his section to cover a striking group during an attack on Japanese shipping, Lieutenant McWhorter led his flight to the target area in advance of the bombers and, maneuvering skillfully in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, relentlessly strafed enemy warships in the harbor. During retirement, he continued to provide unusually effective protection for the attack group, personally blasting two Japanese fighters from the sky and assisting to destroy a third. By his courage, airmanship and devotion to duty under fire, Lieutenant McWhorter contributed materially to the success of his squadron's operations in this area. His conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.