The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, James Sidney Swope, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot in Fighting Squadron ELEVEN (VF-11), embarked in U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12),) during engagements with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 3 June to 9 July 1943. As a member of a four-plane flight, on 16 June, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Swope intercepted a large number of enemy dive bombers and with cool courage and outstanding skill, shot down three of the hostile planes. On 6 July he destroyed a Japanese Zero and three days later, with two other pilots, shot down two more enemy fighter planes. His superb marksmanship and determined fighting spirit during these engagements and in numerous patrols, escort missions, strafing attacks, and task force covers, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Navy.