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Dreier Presents Prestigious “Distinguished Flying Cross” to Upland Veteran
SAN DIMAS, CA – Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) presented the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal to Second Lieutenant Melvin E. Hodell, Army Air Forces (Ret.) of Upland in the Congressman’s San Dimas office this week. Second Lt. Hodell distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in the Hump Airlift as a C-46, C-47, and C-54 pilot in the China-Burma-India in October 1945. He qualified for the DFC during his time of service, but the records were misplaced following World War II. With the help of Congressman Dreier’s office, he has finally been awarded the DFC he earned more than sixty years ago.
“Second Lt. Hodell is an American hero who served this nation with distinction and honor during World War II,” Dreier said. “The harrowing campaign during the Hump Airlift may not be known to many people, but the service of 2nd Lt. Hodell and his colleagues was truly remarkable. Like many of his fellow veterans, 2nd Lt. Hodell survived unimaginable circumstances and then came home to build a family and business and serve his community. He deserves the thanks of all Americans for his service.”
The DFC is America’s oldest military aviation award. Other recipients of the DFC include Charles A. Lindbergh; former President George H. W. Bush; current U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ); astronaut and retired U.S. Senator John Glenn (D-OH); retired Brigadier General Chuck Yeager; and retired U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD).
For more information on the Hump Airlift, click here.
Photos below of 2nd Lt. Melvin Hodell, Congressman David Dreier, and Lt. JG Evan Hodell (Navy), grandson of 2nd Lt. Hodell
