Navy Federal Credit Union

James Yacone graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1987. He resigned in 1959 as a U.S. Army Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

    Action Date:

    October 3 – 4, 1993

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain James Francis Yacone, United States Army, for gallantry in action against hostile enemy forces on 3 October 1993, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), during combat operations in Mogadishu, Somalia. After his lead aircraft was shot down, Captain Yacone persevered through intense enemy ground fire to direct an immediate medical evacuation to the crash site. Captain Yacone infilled a team of two snipers to secure the crash site withstanding hundreds of small arms and rocket propelled grenades. His aircraft finally succumbed to enemy fire, upon landing the crippled helicopter, Captain Yacone rendered lifesaving first aid to a passenger. Captain Yacone’s performance reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.