The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Harold T. Hastings (ASN: 0-395157), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber with Headquarters Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in action over Lae, New Guinea, on 7 January 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hastings, 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.