The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James W. Braly (AFSN: AO-787761), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the FAR EAST Air Forces, in aerial operations while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Invader Night Intruder Bomber of the 3d Bombardment Squadron (Light), FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in North Korea in June 1952. While pressing low level bombing and strafing attacks on enemy supply vehicles, despite intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Braly’s twin-engine bomber was heavily damaged by enemy ground fire. One engine was badly damaged and useless, the hydraulic system for operating the bomb doors and landing gear was shot out, and the flap motor was damaged in such a manner as to cause the flaps to continuously raise and lower, making flying nearly impossible. Captain Braly fought to bring the crippled plane across miles of enemy territory to a friendly position and although constantly losing altitude he made three passes over the position at extremely low airspeed to allow his crew to bail out safely. At an altitude of 300 feet, approximated in the intelligence, Captain Braly parachuted safely, sustaining painful leg injuries. He did not contact friendly troops until noon the next day and was reported to have gone down with his plane. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Braly, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.