The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Melvin E. Hodell, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a C-46, C-47 and C-54 pilot over Burma-China during World War II. 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. 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.