The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron THIRTY-ONE, embarked in U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60). On 19 August 1972, Commander Flatley planned and led a forty-five plane air wing strike against two strategically important highway bridges and a large warehouse and storage complex located near a heavily defended city in Southeast Asia. Imaginative and tactically innovative planning enabled the strike group, in the face of intense enemy opposition and rapidly deteriorating weather to execute a devastating attack on the assigned targets. Displaying exceptional heroism and skilled airmanship, Commander Flatley led the strike group to the target despite numerous surface-to-air missile launches, constant radar controlled anti-aircraft artillery and automatic weapons fire to place all weapons on target. Post-strike photography revealed the destruction of two bridges which were vital links in the enemy’s major east/west transportation route and the total devastation of the huge warehouse and storage complex containing more than thirty large buildings. Commander Flatley’s superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, was awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight .
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 374 (May 3, 1979)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from September 1978 to May 1979. During this period, Captain Flatley consistently displayed exceptional managerial competence and outstanding leadership while effectively coordinating the efforts of the immediate offices of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. His actions were of inestimable value to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in the fulfillment of his many faceted requirements at the highest levels of military responsibility. With keen foresight and intellectual awareness, Captain Flatley demonstrated a complete grasp of complex issues and geopolitical considerations in a highly sensitive, rapidly changing environment and provided the Vice Chief of Naval Operations with sound counsel, essential facts, and recommended courses of action in matters of the greatest importance. In addition, his perceptive judgment was of direct benefit to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in his dealings with senior members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, other government agencies, and the Diplomatic and civilian communities. Captain Flatley’s distinctive achievements, professional expertise, and steadfast dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, was awarded a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Caloosahatchee (AO-98)Action Date:
February 1977 – July 1978
Board Serial 854 (November 27, 1978)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. CALOOSAHATCHEE (AO-98) from February 1977 to July 1978. Captain Flatley’s superb performance of duty during this period contributed significantly to the increased overall material, operational, and personal readiness of U.S.S. CALOOSAHATCHEE. Under his leadership and constant involvement in every facet of command, U.S.S. CALOOSAHATCHEE, despite her 35-plus years, gained recognition as being “always ready” and “on time” to provide mobile logistic support to ships of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Captain Flatley demonstrated an exceptional talent for taking men of disparate backgrounds, capabilities, and ambitions and creating from them a team of professionals whose collective capabilities far exceed the sum of individual capabilities. Through Captain Flatley’s efforts, CALOOSAHATCHEE consistently maintained a high level of retention and commendable organizational command climate. By his diligent efforts, astute managerial ability, and total dedication to duty, Captain Flatley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, was awarded a Silver Star in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
August 1985 – August 1987
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Strike and Amphibious Warfare Division from August 1985 to August 1986; Director, Force Level Plans and Warfare Appraisal Division from February 1986 to July 1986; and Deputy Director, Naval Warfare on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. from August 1986 to August 1987. Rear Admiral Flatley’s positive impact on warfighting readiness in a variety of wide-ranging areas, from munitions to Special Warfare and from mine countermeasures to Cruise Missiles will be felt in the Navy for years to come. His efforts during the 1986 and 1987 Warfare Appraisals accurately assessed the current preparedness of the Navy and indicated areas for future growth. Rear Admiral Flatley’s keen analysis of all Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs identified and prioritized those programs to be protected in the face of Congressionally directed budget reductions. He effectively brought his integrity, personal drive, and professional acumen to the execution of his tasks. His sense of equity and fairness motivated superiors and subordinates alike. Rear Admiral Flatley’s distinctive accomplishments, consummate planning abilities, and impressive dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantAction Date:
October 12 – November 22, 1963
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant James Henry Flatley, III (NSN: 0-603993/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 12 October to 22 November 1963. As pilot of a Navy cargo aircraft, the KC-130F, Lieutenant Flatley successfully accomplished the initial carrier landings and take-offs in this four-engine airplane for gross weights ranging from 85,000 pounds to 121,000 pounds in U.S.S. FORRESTAL (CVA-59). In preparation and execution of these landings, his outstanding skill, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.