The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Donald Pierce Hall (ASN: 0-321890), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Group (Light), FIFTH Air Force in action over Dutch New Guinea on 16 June 1944. Voluntarily heading a formation of B-25’s on a long, low-level strike against two heavily defended Japanese airdromes, Colonel Hall achieved almost complete surprise on the enemy by leading his bombers between low rolling hills at minimum altitude. After a bombing and strafing run on Samate Airdrome which left is covered with fire and smoke, Colonel Hall sighted enemy fighters rising from Jefman Island. With several bursts from his nose guns, he caught two of them, damaging one and destroying the other. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, he continued to lead his formation over the second target, where fuel and supply dumps were left blazing fiercely and more than fifty airplanes were destroyed or damaged. The gallantry and leadership displayed by Colonel Hall on this mission are in keeping with the finest traditions of the service.