Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    281st Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 15 & October 5 – 6, 1918

    War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) James A. McDevitt, United States Army Air Service, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 281st Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Mamey and Cuisy, France, September 15 and October 5 – 6, 1918. On 15 September while performing an important mission, Lieutenant McDevitt’s balloon was attacked and riddled by an enemy plane firing incendiary bullets. He stuck to his post and gathered valuable information. On October 5 he was again attacked by several planes and the basket was set afire by incendiary bullets. While descending he was fired upon and his parachute was hit many times; he, nevertheless, insisted upon returning to the air. On October 6 he was attacked and his balloon was riddled with bullets. Again, on the same day, he was attacked by several enemy planes; he remained with his balloon until it came down in flames; he then resumed his post in a new balloon.