CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

(FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER) TO

 

HARRY W. HAGEN JR.

 

Captain Harry W. Hagen distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Copilot near Kham Due, 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 in the rescue attempt for the third survivor until he was forced to withdraw to evaluate battle damage caused by 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.