(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Felix Moses Hardison (ASN: 0-21354), 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 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hardison, 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.

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 Major (Air Corps) Felix Moses Hardison (ASN: 0-21354), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, in action at Madioen, Java, on 28 February 1942. Major Hardison was pilot of a crew which kept his plane in the air while the base at Madioen was being bombed by the Japanese, thereby saving it from destruction. Immediately upon landing, he assisted in servicing the aircraft preparatory to making a bombing raid against the enemy. This work was accomplished under difficulties since he had very little food and no rest. Upon the completion of this work, he immediately took off on a mission to bomb a Japanese convoy of approximately fifty vessels which was unloading troops and equipment. Three runs were made over this target at 10,000 feet, and despite exceptionally heavy anti-aircraft fire, direct hits were scored on two of the transports. They were set afire and began to list badly. He then returned to Madioen, but could not land until daylight because of the ground fog. Major Hardison was among the last to leave Java, and the Japanese were only twenty miles away when his plane left for Broome, Western Australia. His gallantry and devotion to duty were responsible for causing much damage to enemy transports.

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) Felix Moses Hardison (ASN: 0-21354), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 25 May 1942 Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force. This combat crew departed for a bombing mission against the Japanese-held airdrome at Rabaul, New Britain. The flight arrived over the target at 27,000 feet, where it was intercepted by twelve Zeros. In spite of this interception, the bombing raid was successfully completed and large fires were started, and several Japanese planes were destroyed. In the ensuing fight, several head-on attacks were repulsed and two of the enemy planes were probably shot down. Through superior shooting and courage, the crew was able to ward off the Zeros and escape into the clouds. On the return trip, enemy planes at the Gasmata airdrome were strafed, causing severe damage to them and to other installations. A sixty mile wind blew the plane off the course and impeded its progress, so that its arrival at the Australian coast was delayed. The two inboard engines were feathered in an effort to conserve fuel. However, an insufficient amount remained to carry them to an emergency field. The pilot, realizing that a crash landing was inevitable, gave the crew an opportunity to abandon the plane, but all chose to remain with him while he made a very fine landing on extremely rough ground. This crew showed courage and resourcefulness in securing food and water, and also in making a take-off strip. A very difficult take-off was made under 1,000 feet and the plane arrived safely at the home base. This remarkable achievement exemplifies one of the finest accomplishments of the United States Army Air Corps and is in keeping with its finest traditions.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Felix Moses Hardison (ASN: 0-21354), 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 93d Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hardison, 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.