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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert L. Hinman, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a C-47 type aircraft. On 16 March 1945, Lieutenant Hinman flew on a night mission in an unarmed and unarmored troop carrier aircraft to deliver vital military supplies to friendly forces operating behind enemy lines in the Balkan States. Displaying great courage and superior flying ability as he skillfully maneuvered through adverse weather over difficult mountainous terrain, Lieutenant Hinman reached the designated drop zone. After letting down to the briefed altitude to enable members of his crew to release the supplies to the waiting Partisans, Lieutenant Hinman piloted his C-47 safely back to base. Successfully completing this and many other combat missions his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.