The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hartsel Filler McCue (NSN: 0-146138), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier based Torpedo Bomber plane on 18 October 1944, in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, in the Central Pacific. On this date he took part in an aerial torpedo attack against enemy Fleet units and merchant shipping. In spite of adverse weather conditions, and in the face of enemy fighter opposition and anti-aircraft fire from naval and shore based batteries, he skillfully maneuvered his plane in a coordinated attack which sank one floating dry dock and five medium Japanese cargo vessels. During the action he pressed home his attack to a dangerously close range and obtained a direct hit on an enemy cargo vessel, which later sank. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hartsel Filler McCue (NSN: 0-146138), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier based torpedo bomber plane on 4 August 1944 in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands in the Central Pacific. On this date, he took part in an aerial torpedo attack against enemy fleet units and merchant shipping. In the face of extremely intense and accurate naval anti-aircraft fire, he skillfully maneuvered his plane to a dangerously close range and obtained a direct hit with his torpedo upon a large Japanese cargo vessel, which was observed to sink very soon thereafter. He then conducted repeated strafing attacks upon a concentration of Japanese landing craft, barges and luggers. His determination in pressing home these attacks contributed materially to the destruction of many important enemy ships. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.