The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) La Verle Hacking (ASN: 0-761663), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 379th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group(Medium), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy on 11 November 1944. Lieutenant Hacking led a twenty-four plane formation in an attack upon a railroad bridge at Cassale Monferrato, Italy. Upon the commencement of the bomb run, shell fragments from intense anti-aircraft fire heavily damaged his airplane. Displaying great courage and determined leadership in the face of this accurate barrage, Lieutenant Hacking maintained his crippled plane in the lead position for a perfect run over the objective. With all bombers releasing on the lead plane, a devastating bomb pattern covered the target area damaging the bridge, thereby blocking a vital link in enemy communications lines. Realizing that he would be unable to reach friendly territory when his shattered aircraft rapidly lost speed and altitude, turning off the bomb run, Lieutenant Hacking ordered the plane abandoned. Then selflessly remaining at the controls until all members of his crew had parachuted to safety, Lieutenant Hacking escaped with his own life just before the B-25 crashed behind enemy lines. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Hacking, 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.