The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James Philo Hagerstrom (ASN: 0-727447), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a F-86 type aircraft, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 25 February 1953. While in aerial flight, Major Hagerstrom observed one MiG-15 on the tail of a F-86 type aircraft, piloted by Captain Harold E. Fischer. Immediately, Major Hagerstrom pressed his attack and with superb airmanship, positioned himself on the tail of the MiG-15. With accurate firing and exceptional airmanship, he was able to destroy the MiG-15 attacking Captain Fischer’s aircraft. As the MiG-15 tried to break off and escape from Major Hagerstrom’s attack, the enemy aircraft began smoking and with expert marksmanship, Major Hagerstrom fired several short bursts into the enemy aircraft sending parts of it flying around Major Hagerstrom’s aircraft as it went spinning to the ground thus saving Captain Fischer from possible severe damage or complete destruction of his aircraft and possibly saving the pilot’s life. Through Major Hagerstrom’s alertness and strong desire to destroy the enemy, he aided the United Nations efforts in Korea by destroying one MiG-15 type aircraft in this encounter. Through his skill, courage and devotion to duty, Major Hagerstrom has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major James Philo Hagerstrom (ASN: 0-727447), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a F-86 type aircraft, 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major James Philo Hagerstrom (ASN: 0-727447), United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 21 November 1952, while serving as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, against enemies of the United Nations, in Korea. With his flight leader, Major Hagerstrom was flying at 25,000 feet when he sighted two enemy MiGs at 5,000 feet moving to intercept our fighter-bombers. He bounced down on his target, closed to 1400 feet, fired a short burst with hits being scored in the fuselage. Firing again he observed hits in the engine section followed by a series of explosions. Major Hagerstrom closed to 500 feet with hit hits causing the MiG to disintegrate with the canopy and other large pieces breaking off, some of them hitting Major Hagerstrom’s aircraft. With his fuel at a critically low point and his aircraft damaged by debris he broke off his attack. Through the courage, tenacity, superior tactical skill and marksmanship he displayed on this mission Major Hagerstrom succeeded in destroying one enemy aircraft, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.