Assigned to 615BS, 401BG, 8AF USAAF. 35 x missions.



"With one eye useless and the muscles of the other paralysed, 2nd Lt. Carl L. Hoag held open with his fingertip the eye that partially functioned and charted a direct four-hour course from Germany to England through a dense cloud -formation. Hoag, 21-year-old son of Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Hoag of San Mateo, CA, was navigator on the Flying Fortress, "Mary Alice," badly battered by flak during a bombing mission Nov 30. One flak-burst sent long, jagged splinters shooting into Hoag's face and eyes. He was almost unconscious from lack of oxygen until Copilot 2nd Lt. Martin Karant, Chicago, IL., repaired his oxygen system. Hoag insisted on remaining at his post. Pilot 2nd Lt. George K. Craft of Helena, AR, gave Hoag the air speeds and instrument readings, while other members provided verbal map information. By mental calculations the wounded navigator obtained a direct heading and the crippled Fort, with two engines shot out, made an emergency landing in England. For carrying on with his job despite agonizing pain, he was awarded Monday the distinguished service cross, America's second highest decoration. Hoag has recovered full vision in one eye and is recovering from wounds in the other." His action led to the award of the 2nd highest award, the Distinguished Service Cross.



Awards: DSC, PH, WWII Victory, EAME (2 Battle stars), American Campaign Medal.



DSC Citation:



"Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Carl L. Hoag, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy during an air mission in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. Second Lieutenant Hoag's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces."



General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 4 (1945)