On 2 February 1938, while piloting a PBY-2 in a tactical exercise off the southern Californian coast, he collided with another VP-11 PBY-2. Lt. Hutchins remained at his badly damaged plane's controls, allowing members of his crew to parachute to safety, but was killed in the plane's subsequent crash. For his "extraordinary heroism" on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Carlton B. Hutchins' remains were not recovered.

CITATION:

"The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Carlton Barmore Hutchins, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as the pilot of the U.S. Navy Seaplane PBY-2 No.0463 (11-P-3) while engaged in tactical exercises with the U.S. Fleet on 2 February 1938 off the California Coast. Although his plane was badly damaged, Lieutenant Hutchins remained at the controls endeavoring to bring the damaged plane to a safe landing and to afford an opportunity for his crew to escape by parachutes. His cool, calculated conduct contributed principally to the saving of the lives of all who survived. His conduct on this occasion was above and beyond the call of duty."