The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Eugene N. James (MCSN: 0-30164), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in carrier based Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-312), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 February 1953. Participating in the rescue of a downed Marine aviator who was surrounded and being fired upon by enemy troops deep in hostile territory, Captain James conducted a series of daring low-level strafing assaults, intentionally drawing the heavy enemy fire away from the downed pilot. Undeterred when his plane was hit and severely damaged by intense and accurate hostile antiaircraft fire, he continued to maneuver the stricken aircraft at minimum altitude and, on several occasions, succeeded in completely suppressing all ground fire directed at the downed aviator. In addition, he skillfully provided covering fire that kept the enemy troops from advancing and allowed the helicopter to effect a successful rescue less than two hours after the pilot had crash-landed. By his outstanding airmanship, courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Captain James was greatly responsible for the success of a mission that resulted in the saving of a fellow Marine’s life and in the infliction of heavy casualties upon the enemy, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Attack Squadron 312 (VMA-312)Action Date:
January 2, 1953
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Eugene N. James (MCSN: 0-30164), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy while serving with a carrier based Marine attack squadron in Korea. On 2 January 1953, Captain James, as a member of a division of Marine attack aircraft, engaged in a high priority, pre-dawn air strike against heavily defended enemy rail facilities near Hwangju. Approaching the target area, Captain James, despite restricted visibility caused by darkness, detected a large enemy supply train and initiated a daring assault. Diving to low altitude through an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire, he inflicted serious damage on the locomotive and rail junction with direct bomb hits. Circling the area for damage assessment, Captain James located another train situated on the main rail line and immediately conducted a minimum altitude bombing and strafing attack that caused extensive damage to the locomotive and several cars. Captain James’ exceptional bombing accuracy and exemplary initiative were largely responsible for the success of a mission that destroyed four enemy locomotives and thirty-five rail cars. His courageous conduct, outstanding perseverance and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.