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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) James Knowles, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Montfaucon, France, 9 October 1918. While on a voluntary patrol over the enemy’s lines First Lieutenant Knowles observed three enemy Fokkers attacking one of our balloons. He unhesitatingly attacked, and in a bitter combat that lasted for five minutes he succeeded in bringing one of the enemy planes down in flames and driving off the others.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    95th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (June 3, 1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Service) James Knowles, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot with the 95th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Creue, France, 12 September 1918, while on a voluntary patrol.