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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) Phil H. Hawkins (ASN: 0-724617), United States Army Air Forces, for heroic and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 3 March 1943. Lieutenant Hawkins was co-pilot to Major Larner, his squadron commander, in one of a flight of twelve B-25C-1 aircraft that took part in a coordinated attack on a Japanese convoy in the Huon Gulf. This convoy consisted of at least twelve merchant vessels, escorted by six destroyers and two cruisers. Lieutenant Hawkins was of the greatest possible assistance to his pilot in the latter’s attack upon a cruiser and other enemy vessels, an attack which eventually resulted in the destruction of a cruiser and the sinking of a transport. On the afternoon of the same day Lieutenant Hawkins was sent out as pilot of one of eight B-25C-1s on a similar mission against the remnants of the convoy, now reduced to two destroyers and four merchant vessels. He made a daring individual attack upon one of the destroyers, strafing the deck and scoring three direct hits. As the flight left the target area the destroyer was observed to be badly damaged and in a sinking condition. There can be no doubt that Lieutenant Hawkins’ presence of mind, courage, and airmanship were largely instrumental in the success of both attacks and were typical of his previous behavior in the face of the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    90th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Bombardment Group (L)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 14, 1942
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 127 (June 21, 1943)

    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) Phil H. Hawkins (ASN: 0-724617), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving with the 90th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force on 14 December 1942. Lieutenant Hawkins was the pilot of one aircraft in a squadron of eight B-25 Liberator Bombers sent out to bomb three Japanese destroyers and two cruisers about twenty miles east of Finschhafen, New Guinea. Due to bad weather Lieutenant Hawkins plane was the only one to reach the target. On the first run over the target the B-25 suffered a direct anti-aircraft hit, blowing the entire rear section off the left engine nacelle. Because of defective bomb racks the B-25 was unable to release all of its bombs. One bomb released and fell about twenty-five feet to the stern of the rear destroyer. Despite the fact that the left engine nacelle was half shot away, Lieutenant Hawkins made two more runs over the target. On the third run the B-25 was intercepted by eight type Zero aircraft and was forced to salvo its bombs, turn tail to the Zeros and seek cover. In the running fight that ensued one of the Zero aircraft made a high side approach from the left and was shot down. Lieutenant Hawkins returned to his base and made an excellent landing despite the fact that the left tire was blown out. It is this type of courage and pilotage that is a morale building for our Air Force.