Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Service) Harold E. Hartney, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Fismes, France, 13 August 1918. Major Hartney voluntarily accompanied a reconnaissance patrol. Realizing the importance of the mission, Major Hartney took command, and, although five enemy planes repeatedly made attempts to drive them back, he continued into enemy territory, returning later to our lines with important information. The cool judgment and determination displayed by Major Hartney furnished an inspiration to all the members of his command.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    27th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (June 3, 1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Service) Harold E. Hartney, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 12 September 1918, during the operations at St. Mihiel, France, in voluntarily crossing the line several times to supervise work of his group.