Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Roy
Starnes
March 19, 1924

–

September 4, 2010

Born:

, 

North Carolina

Home:

, 

North Carolina

During World War II, James Starnes became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, flew combat missions in the Vietnam War, and retired in 1974 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    505th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    339th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James Roy Starnes (ASN: 0-815411), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 1972 – November 1974

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James Roy Starnes (ASN: 0-815411), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Deputy Commander of the 1931st Communications Group at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from June 1972 to November 1974. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Starnes culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    505th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    339th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James Roy Starnes (ASN: 0-815411), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 505th Fighter Squadron, 339th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat during World War II, and the destruction of two enemy airplanes and for sharing in the destruction of one enemy airplane over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Starnes has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all those occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.