Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1943

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 210 (November 18, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Vance W. Van Hooser (ASN: 38190145), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Right Waist Gunner of a B-17 airplane of the EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over enemy occupied Europe, 4 October 1943. On leaving the target area, his aircraft was subjected to fierce attacks by a large force of enemy fighters and as a result sustained severe damage. During the running battle which ensued, Sergeant Van Hooser was seriously wounded and suffered temporary blindness. With complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously remained at his gun, firing in the direction of the attacking planes. When the order was given to prepare for ditching, Sergeant Van Hooser, in spite of his condition, assisted in dismantling the guns and throwing them overboard. With the plane thus lightened, the pilot managed to reach the coast of England, where he crash-landed his aircraft in a field. The gallantry, determination to fight and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Van Hooser on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.