The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ben F. Hagelthorn, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight during World War II. Lieutenant Hagelthorn distinguished himself while participating in combat flight from bases in China during World War II. Extensive destruction of material and heavy casualties to personnel resulted from his operations throughout China, Burma, and over the China Seas. Enemy installations, supply concentrations, lines of communication and vessels were among the targets Lieutenant Hagelthorn and his crew struck. In a majority of their missions they experienced very heavy fire from enemy ground installations and repeated attacks by hostile aircraft, but they carried out their assigned tasks with resolution and coolness. The achievements and courage of Lieutenant Hagelthorn and his crew reflect great credit on the Army Air Forces.