Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Dean
Boldman

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron

    Action Date:

    April 5, 1951
    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 56 (June 19, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Dean Boldman (MCSN: 0-24141), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving as a Pilot attached to a Marine Fighter Squadron. On 5 April 1951, Captain Boldman answered an urgent call for volunteers to make a hazardous combat strike in close support of Marine ground forces who were seriously threatened by a strong enemy force occupying an advantageous position in the path of their advance. Captain Boldman was well aware that it would be necessary to lead his flight through bad weather at low altitude over two hundred miles of rugged terrain in order to reach the objective area. Despite extremely low visibility and heavy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Boldman, with a high degree of courage and skill, pressed through to the objective and attacked the enemy positions. While in the initial attack, one member of the four plane flight received a direct hit from one of the large caliber anti-aircraft guns protecting the enemy positions, causing that pilot to crash to his death. Despite this loss, Captain Boldman, at grave risk to his own life, continued to make accurate and effective napalm, rocket and strafing attacks on the enemy positions. The area was neutralized and was subsequently captured by our Marine ground forces. Captain Boldman’s skillful flying and his fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 244 (VMSB-244)

    Action Date:

    October 27 – March 23, 1944
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 0240 (February 28, 1945)

    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 First Lieutenant James Dean Boldman (MCSN: 0-24141), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to Marine Scout Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR (VMSB-244), operating in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas during the periods from 17 October to 29 November 1943 and 8 February to 23 March 1944. Lieutenant Boldman took part in twenty major bombing attacks against Japanese shipping, airfields and gun emplacements, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane opposition. On 23 and 17 February, during strikes against Vunakanan airfield and shipping at Keravia Bay near Rabaul, New Britain, he silenced a gun position, destroyed one of four enemy fighters that attacked his plane and scored a damaging hit on a large cargo vessel. His superior airmanship and courageous conduct contributed to the success of our offensive aerial operations in the area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 244 (VMSB-244)

    Action Date:

    October 17, 1943 – March 23, 1944
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 0240 (February 28, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James Dean Boldman (MCSN: 0-24141), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to Marine Scout Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR (VMSB-244), operating in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago areas during the periods from 17 October to 29 November 1943 and 8 February to 23 March 1944. Lieutenant Boldman took part in twenty-two damaging strikes against Japanese shipping, supply areas, airfield and other shore installations, frequently encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. His superior airmanship and courageous devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of all missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.