During World War II Horace Hanes completed 30 combat missions in P-38 aircraft before he was reported Missing in Action over Yugoslavia in January 1944. He spent three months evading capture, before returning to the United States in April 1944. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.
Sponsored by:
Horace
A.
Hanes
1916
–
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
71st Fighter SquadronRegiment:
1st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
January 7, 1944
Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 157 (April 1, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Horace A. Hanes (ASN: 0-23480), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as Group Leader and Pilot of a P-38 type aircraft of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force. On 7 January 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Hanes led an escort mission against the enemy aircraft factory at Weiner Neustadt, Austria. During a prolonged engagement with approximately fifty enemy fighters and after going to the assistance of three JP-38’s being viciously attacked by superior numbers of enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Colonel Hanes protected the same flight from another attack at an unexpected quarter by placing himself directly in the path of the attackers. This gallant act saved his comrades who were taken unaware, although he himself was shot down in doing so. Wounded in the head as he parachuted from his flaming aircraft, Lieutenant Colonel Hanes succeeded in getting his parachute to open less than one-hundred feet from the ground. After two and a half months in enemy-occupied territory and facing many dangers he ultimately escaped and returned to his unit. By his conspicuous courage and unfailing devotion to duty together with his splendid leadership and example as evidenced throughout over thirty successful combat missions against the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Hanes has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 1, 1964 – July 1, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Horace A. Hanes (ASN: 0-23480), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 9th Aerospace Defense Division, Air Defense Command, from 1 August 1964 to 1 July 1966. His outstanding managerial ability, superior knowledge of operational concepts, and exceptional leadership in the training, operation, and improvement of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System and the United States Air Force SPACETRACK System, contributed immeasurably to the overall USAF space defense requirements. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hanes and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July 18, 1966 – July 25, 1969
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Horace A. Hanes (ASN: 0-23480), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Hanes distinguished himself as Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, from 18 July 1966 to 25 July 1969. In this important assignment, the dynamic leadership, outstanding, and dedicated efforts of General Hanes were significantly displayed in the overall coordination and effectiveness of Allied Command Europe and in the ultimate successful operation of this vital Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe activity. His outstanding achievements resulted in significant improvements to the capability and strengthening of Allied Command Europe. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hanes reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
August 1, 1969 – December 31, 1972
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 Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Horace A. Hanes, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Hanes distinguished himself as Vice Commander, Aerospace Defense Command, from 1 August 1969 to 31 December 1972. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership, and the outstanding dedicated efforts of General Hanes were significant factors in maintaining the effective aerospace defense posture of the United States and its Allies. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hanes culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Horace A. Hanes (ASN: 0-23480), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 20 August 1955 at Palmdale, California. As pilot of an F-100 airplane, Colonel Hanes established a new world speed record on the first straight and level course for the Thompson Trophy competition. Displaying outstanding skill and flying ability in establishing the new record, Colonel Hanes has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
71st Fighter SquadronRegiment:
1st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Horace A. Hanes (ASN: 0-23480), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as Group Leader and Pilot of a P-38 type aircraft of the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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 Force of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Horace A. Hanes (ASN: 0-23480), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 58th Fighter Bomber Wing, from 20 July 1957 to 30 May 1958. During this period, the outstanding leadership of Colonel Hanes instilled a willing and cooperative attitude among members of his command which enabled them to be rated among the highest in FIFTH Air Force for training accomplishments, flying safety and over-all efficiency achieving the highest combat ready rate of all FIFTH Air Force units for a period of six months. The exemplary initiative, personal endeavor and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Hanes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.