The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain David L. Hatten (AFSN: FR-3081457), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot over North Vietnam on 30 September 1965. On that date, Captain Hatten was assigned the destruction of a vital target deep within hostile territory and defended by heavy concentration of anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles. Captain Hatten displayed expert airmanship and professionalism by delivering his ordnance directly on the target achieving optimum results. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hatten reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronAction Date:
August 20, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1858 (October 28, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain David L. Hatten (AFSN: FR-3081457), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot over North Vietnam on 20 August 1967. On that date, Captain Hatten was leading a flight of four fighter-bombers against a vital highway bridge several miles north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Although exposed to numerous surface-to-air missile sites and constant barrages of deadly flak, Captain Hatten courageously chose to retain his ordnance while forcing a hostile interceptor to discontinue an attack on a Thunderchief flight ahead, while at the same time successfully outmaneuvering two other hostile aircraft attempting to attack his flight from behind. In so doing, Captain Hatten was forced out of his desired ordnance release parameters but nevertheless dove his aircraft to a minimum altitude of survivability and successfully interdicted the bridge. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hatten has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-1568 (October 2, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David L. Hatten (AFSN: FR-3081457), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot in North Vietnam on 12 August 1967. On that date, Captain Hatten was a member of a flight of fighter-bombers which as assigned the difficult task of destroying a vital railroad and highway bridge five miles from the center of Hanoi. In spite of the violent maneuvering of the flight lead to avoid intense anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles and attacking hostile aircraft, Captain Hatten maintained his position in the flight and dropped his ordnance directly on the target resulting in the destruction of one span of the bridge. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hatten reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.