The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain James Edwin Ray, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1966 to May 1969. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Edwin Ray, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to 3300th Technical Training Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, from 6 July 1989 to 31 December 1990. During this period, Colonel Ray displayed exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty in support of the mission of the wing. His efforts resulted in the successful training of over 40,000 students and realized savings of over 2,000 man-days and 16 million dollars through careful scrutiny of training requirements, consolidation and reduction of courses, and diligent reduction of expenditures. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Ray culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.