CAPTAIN EUGENE RALPH HANKS (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade), United States Navy. For extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Fighter Plane during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands Areas from November 19 to 24, 1943. Gallantly leading his four-plane combat team as part of a twelve plane air patrol intercepting a strong force of hostile aircraft on November 23, Lieutenant Hanks fought his plane boldly and with relentless determination and, although outnumbered nearly two to one, personally shot down five Japanese planes and probably another of the seventeen destroyed during the bitter engagement. Again vastly outnumbered teh following day, he continued his bold tactics and, despite his disadvantageous position, directed a brilliantly executed attack to destroy ten hostile fighters and two bombers. By his outstanding ability as a leader and an airman, Lieutenant Hanks contributed materially to the success of our aerial operations in the Pacific war area, and his valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Captain Hanks resides in New Mexico.