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 First Lieutenant James F. McCarthy, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force over North Vietnam on 25 May 1972. On that date, Lieutenant McCarthy participated in a flight of fighter aircraft flying a strike mission deep in enemy territory. Despite weather difficulties, forcing the rest of the strike force to abort the initial attack, First Lieutenant McCarthy continued his attack on the assigned target and delivered his bombs accurately on target with devastating results. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant McCarthy has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.