"For extraordinary heroism displayed when he guided his badly riddled plane back to England despite severe wounds and the temporary loss of his sight, 2Lt Carl L Hoag Jr a B-17 Flying Fortress navigator from San Mateo, CA has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by Lt Gen Carl Spaatz, commanding General of the Strategic Air Forces in Europe who, upon hearing of his bravery, bestowed the medal 'on the spot' in a teleprinter message which he sent directly to the wounded man."