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James
Austin
Riner

James Riner flew in the Air Battle of Midway in 1942, as a pilot in Bombing Squadron 8 (VF-8) embarked from the U.S.S. Hornet.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron

    Regiment:

    Battle of Midway

    Action Date:

    June 4 – 6, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Austin Riner, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of an airplane in a Bombing Squadron during the Battle of Midway, 4 to 6 June 1942. With utter disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Riner took part in persistent bombing and strafing attacks against fleeing enemy forces in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire. By his stern perseverance and resolute devotion to the accomplishment of a vastly important objective, he contributed greatly to the destruction of the enemy and to the victory achieved by our forces. His conduct on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 83 (VB-83)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0856 (July 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant James Austin Riner, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VB-82), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in the strike on Kure Naval Base on 19 March 1945. Lieutenant Riner skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in a dive bombing attack against major units of the enemy fleet including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked an enemy aircraft carrier in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit with his bomb causing heavy damage to the carrier. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.