The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Donald H. Hartvig, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Patrol Plane Commander of a PB4Y-2 in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area from 27 March to 9 August 1945. Participating in twenty missions during this period, Lieutenant Commander Hartvig contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Donald
H.
Hartvig
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Action Date:
March 27 – August 9, 1945
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Patrol-Bombing Squadron 108 (VPB-108)Action Date:
May 9, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Donald H. Hartvig, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED EIGHT (VPB-108), in action against enemy forces on Japanese-held Marcus Island on 9 May 1945. Flying through extremely hazardous weather to participate in a strike against this enemy stronghold, Lieutenant Hartvig braved intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy gun emplacements and rifle fire which riddled his plane to press home his attack at a minimum altitude. Gallantly fighting his plane, he assisted in the destruction of two grounded enemy planes, strafed and bombed enemy installations with highly damaging results and inflicted severe casualties on hostile troops. His skilled airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.