The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Robert Anderson (NSN: 0-682988), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an A-4E Skyhawk aircraft while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VA-86) in U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62). On 13 September 1965, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson on a RESCAP mission was directed to the area near Dong Hoi airfield, North Vietnam, where a fellow pilot had been shot down. Despite the inclement weather and low ceilings and poor visibility, he over flew the heavily defended area at low altitude and was met with a continual barrage of small arms and anti-aircraft fire. The poor visibility dictated that several passes be made in order to visually cover the area most likely to contain the downed pilot. Without regard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson braved the heavy resistance and made repeated passes as low as 300 feet over the area of Dong Hoi airfield, city and barracks. On one of his passes his aircraft was hit in the windshield by flak. Nevertheless, he courageously continued his search until a critically low fuel state forced retirement to his parent carrier. Upon his return to the carrier, with his forward visibility completely denied due to his bullet-shattered windshield, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson maneuvered his aircraft with great skill to a safe landing. He immediately volunteered to return to the flak infested area and continue his search. Acting in the highest sense of personal bravery he launched again at first light to renew his search. His dedicated persistence was rewarded by his sighting of the crash site and parachute. Again braving the severe flak he flow low in an attempt to establish the status of the pilot. His aircraft was again hit by enemy gun fire, but dauntlessly he remained in the area until his time on station was exhausted. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson’s determination, heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.