Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 90 (September 16, 1943)
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then Major] Dexter Lawrence Hodge (ASN: 0-389555), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Hodge flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds. As a pilot of a leading B-24, he directed the formation toward the target when it was subjected to extremely intense anti-aircraft and machinegun fire at point blank range. Rather than take action which would have jeopardized the success of the formation, Colonel Hodge held his course straight through the heavy fire and dense smoke screen and over the target. Despite heavy enemy fire that that badly damaged his bomber, Major Hodge with great valor and aerial skill kept his ship airborne until it could be diverted for an emergency landing at Malta without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Hodge on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.