Navy Federal Credit Union

A total of 5 Medals of Honor and 56 Distinguished Service Crosses, among numerous other awards, were awarded for the August 1, 1943 low-level bombing mission of the Ploesti Oil Refineries, ranking it as perhaps the single-most decorated combat air mission of World War II. Second Lieutenant Hull was part of an air crew under Lieutenant Robert Horton. All ten members of the crew were awarded the DSC for this mission. Nine of the ten men on this bomber were killed or listed as missing in action, and the one survivor was captured and held as a Prisoner of War.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    566th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    389th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943

    Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 89 (September 16, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Charles Thurston Hull (ASN: 0-740818), 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 566th Bombardment Squadron, 389th 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, Second Lieutenant Hull was Co-Pilot of a B-24 bomber assigned to drop bombs on the refineries. When his plane was severely damaged he continued on, in the face of almost insurmountable odds. Over the blazing target he remained steadfast in the cockpit and, with heroic calm and unflinching loyalty, continued his bombing run. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Hull on this occasion, at the cost of his life, 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.