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 Technical Sergeant Alva Starne Hascall (ASN: 6639442), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Radio Operator of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 January 1942. While returning from a successful bombing mission against shipping in the harbor of Manado, Celebes, the bomber of which Sergeant Hascall was radio operator attacked by 15 enemy fighters. During the battle five enemy planes were shot down. Though the radio was disabled by enemy fire, Sergeant Hascall calmly proceeded to repair it sufficiently to call the landing field and arrange for medical attention for a wounded crew member. When the plane landed and was being serviced, an alert was sounded, making it necessary to get the aircraft into the air immediately. The plane was only 400 feet off the ground when three enemy fighters attacked it. In order to participate in the fight Sergeant Hascall took the rear gunner’s position, repaired the gun and cooperated with other members of the crew in driving off the attackers until the plane reached 20,000 feet and the enemy was forced to withdraw. At this high altitude, Sergeant Hascall, well knowing the danger of anoxia, risked his own life by going without oxygen long enough to attend to the needs of a wounded crew members. His actions during and after the encounters were instrumental in enabling the plane and crew to return safely to base. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Hascall on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.