The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant James Frederick Low (AFSN: FR-23194/NSN: 5598369), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea on 8 May 1952. Flying wingman in a four plane flight when it was attacked by six MiGs, his brilliant display of airmanship was instrumental in repulsing this enemy threat. During the twenty minute battle that ensued in addition to damaging one MiG, he positioned behind a second at 5 o’clock and firing, he scored hits on the MiG’s fuselage and wings. Large billows of smoke were seen coming from the tail section and there was an explosion in the engine section. Rolling around the enemy twice to cut his speed, he closed again firing one more burst. Just before the MiG disintegrated the pilot ejected. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Low on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself, his comrades-in-arms of the United Nations and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant [then Second Lieutenant] James Frederick Low (AFSN: FR-23194/NSN: 5598369), United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in the Sinuiju area of North Korea on 11 June 1952. While leading an element of F-86 type aircraft on a combat air patrol a flight of eight MiG-15’s were sighted at 38,000 feet. Lieutenant Low unhesitatingly positioned his element for an immediate attack, however, before a firing pass could be executed, a long MiG rolled down out of the enemy formation as if preparing for a firing pass. Lieutenant Low switched his vicious assault to the single MiG and as he closed to effective firing range, the enemy pilot was seen to jettison his canopy and eject himself. The element continued the patrol until two MiG’s were observed at 33,000 feet. Lieutenant Low immediately gave chase and closed to a firing range of 500 feet, pressing his attack and firing short bursts. The MiG started smoking profusely as hits covered the entire aircraft, then it burst into flame. Not satisfied with the amount of damage already inflicted, Lieutenant Low fearlessly closed to within 50 feet range and fired several more bursts. The enemy pilot then jettisoned his canopy and ejected himself. The total destruction of two MiG-15’s on this mission bring Lieutenant Low’s total enemy aircraft destroyed to four plus one probable destroyed in only thirty-nine missions. The outstanding devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Low on this occasion has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James Frederick Low (AFSN: FR-23194/NSN: 5598369), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.