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 Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James Glenn Pirie (NSN: 0-4706294/614186), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 31 May 1967, as a pilot of an A-4 jet aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron NINETY-THREE (VA-93), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19), during aerial combat operations in Southeast Asia. As section leader of an “Ironhand” support flight, Commander Pirie participated in a twenty-five-aircraft strike against the strategically important Loi Dong and Cong My Petroleum Storage Complex three miles northwest of Haiphong, North Vietnam. When the first enemy surface-to-air missile was fired at the strike force, Commander Pirie immediately delivered his SHRIKE missile at the enemy site. Another enemy missile was fired from a different site and Commander Pirie again delivered his SHRIKE missile. His actions silenced both sites and there were no further radar emissions. By his courage in the face of grave danger, his outstanding airmanship, and his superb professional leadership, Commander Pirie contributed immeasurably to the success of a mission in which all aircraft returned safely. His performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James Glenn Pirie (NSN: 0-4706294/614186), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 6 May 1967, as pilot of an A-4 Skyhawk jet aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron NINETY-THREE (VA-93), embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CVA-19), during aerial combat operations in Southeast Asia. As Division leader of a flight of four aircraft which had completed a strike against enemy waterborne logistics craft in the vicinity of Qui Vinh, North Vietnam, Commander Pirie conducted a highly dangerous search and rescue operation for one of the pilots in his formation who had been downed in enemy territory. After initiating the search and rescue effort, Commander Pirie made repeated low-altitude passes over the site of the crash in an effort to locate the downed aviator. His final passes were skillfully executed at an extremely low altitude in the face of constant heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the surrounding area. Even though his aircraft sustained two hits from ground fire, Commander Pirie refused to break off his search until he was relieved by the rescue aircraft. His professional ability, outstanding airmanship, and courage in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.