Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Alexander
Shirley
March 20, 1920

–

June 18, 2001

Cemetery:

Barrancas National Cemetery

James Shirley was a World War II DOUBLE ACE, credited with the destruction of 12.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. In one mission for which he was awarded the Navy Cross he claimed FIVE victories in a single outing, to become an Ace-in-a-day.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 22 (VF-22)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CVL 23)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander James Alexander Shirley (NSN: 0-112972), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 22 (VF-22)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CVL 23)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0738 (January 4, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant James Alexander Shirley (NSN: 0-112972), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VF-22), attached to the U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 24 October 1944. Skilled and aggressive in a large group of enemy planes attempting to attack our Task Force, Lieutenant Commander Shirley pressed home his attack to shoot down five enemy planes and to inflict severe damage on two others. Although his plane was struck several times by enemy fire, he continued to engage the enemy until his ammunition and fuel were exhausted. His high combat efficiency, courage and devotion to duty were instrumental in preventing damage to our ships and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 22 (VF-22)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Princeton (CVL-23)

    Action Date:

    September 21, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0632 (October 12, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant James Alexander Shirley (NSN: 0-112972), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VF-22), attached to the U.S.S. PRINCETON (CVL-23), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 21 September 1944. Participating in the first air raid over Manila since the occupation of that city by the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Shirley fought his guns with accuracy, shooting down four hostile aircraft and assisting in the destruction of a fifth in the air. Flying low over enemy territory, he made repeated strafing attacks on enemy planes on airfields, and his airmanship and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Shirley and the United States Naval Service.