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Charles Hillhouse graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. He retired in 1956 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1942

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 5 (September 7, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Charles Henry Hillhouse (ASN: 0-21838), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Rabaul, New Britain, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 12 August 1942. Captain Hillhouse led a flight of eight planes that raided enemy shipping in Rabaul Harbor. The formation was attacked by eight Zeros before, during, and after the bombing run, but Captain Hillhouse displayed great skill and bravery by leading his flight in such a manner that it was able to remain with the formation and drop bombs on enemy shipping. Four ships were either sunk or badly damaged and three enemy fighters were show down in the engagement. Several other missions were completed during the period from 11 to 14 August 1942, all of which aided considerably in the successful offensive made by the Allies int eh Southwest Pacific Area. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hillhouse, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Charles Henry Hillhouse (ASN: 0-21838), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 19th Bombardment Group during World War II. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Charles Henry Hillhouse (ASN: 0-21838), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 19th Bombardment Group during World War II. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 20 (June 20, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Charles Henry Hillhouse (ASN: 0-21838), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hillhouse, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.