The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign James Landron Baxter (NSN: 0-337475), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), embarked in U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against an enemy convoy near Cam Ranh Bay, French Indo-China on 12 January 1945. As pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo plane he pressed his attack on an enemy cargo ship in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire to score a hit. The ship sank as a result of his and other hits. His courage and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
EnsignBatallion:
Torpedo Squadron 20 (VT-20)Action Date:
January 9, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign James Landron Baxter (NSN: 0-337475), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight near the west coast of Formosa as Pilot of a carrier-based Torpedo Plane on 9 January 1945. Ensign Baxter pressed home his glide bombing attack on an enemy cargo ship in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire to score a hit. His courage and determination were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign]Batallion:
Torpedo Squadron 20 (VT-20)Division:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)Action Date:
October 25, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign] James Landron Baxter (NSN: 0-337475), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Undaunted by intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Baxter pressed home vigorous attacks upon an enemy battleship to score a direct hit upon the hostile vessel and inflict severe damage. His courage, expert airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty contributed to the success of his squadron in fulfilling this dangerous mission and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.