Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1951

    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 5783 (May 9, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant James W. Bradley, Jr. (MCSN: 0-51594), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 18 October 1951. As wingman of a flight of three F-9F’s, Second Lieutenant Bradley took off on a pre-briefed road reconnaissance mission as directed by the Joint Operations Center. In the vicinity of Singo-San a column of trucks was observed. The flight leader immediately called for an attach, then led the flight in a devastatingly accurate strafing run. Second Lieutenant Bradley followed the leader in, destroying one truck, on this initial run. Repeated runs were made during which Second Lieutenant Bradley caused damage to several other trucks. Continuing with the reconnaissance mission, the flight located an enemy supply dump in the vicinity of Kowan. As the leader commenced his attack a heavy barrage of automatic weapons fire was directed against the flight. Despite this obvious danger, Second Lieutenant Bradley pressed home the attack accurately placing a rocket on a warehouse which immediately caught fire and burned. Although the enemy relentlessly fired their anti-aircraft weapons at the flight, Second Lieutenant Bradley, without regard for his own personal safety, vigorously and unhesitatingly, made repeated runs on the target, causing additional fires and further damage to vital enemy supplies. His exceptional airmanship and high degree of personal courage contributed in large measure to the success of the flight, which in the final analysis accounted for the destruction of four trucks, damage to several others and damage to the supply dump. Second Lieutenant Bradley’s high degree of professional skill, efficient action, and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.