The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) James Franklin Hackler, Jr. (ASN: 0-25767), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 358th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy on 4 July 1944. When adverse weather conditions and intense enemy fire forced his squadron to discontinue its mission to a vital rail bridge in the are of Merey, France, Major Hackler, realizing the importance of immediate destruction of the bridge, turned his squadron over to his flight leader and determinedly pressed on to the target. Displaying superior navigational and flying ability, Major Hackler, despite the hazards of weather and enemy fire located the target and bombed with excellent results. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Hackler, 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Regiment:
358th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James Franklin Hackler, Jr. (ASN: 0-25767), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron of the 358th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General James Franklin Hackler, Jr. (ASN: 0-25767), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hackler and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Regiment:
358th Fighter GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James Franklin Hackler, Jr. (ASN: 0-25767), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron of the 358th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.