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 Major (Air Corps) James Buckley Tapp (ASN: 0-662198), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 78th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, SEVENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 7 April 1945, during an air strike against Tokyo, Japan. As pilot of a fighter type aircraft during the first fighter-escorted B-29 mission over the Japanese Empire, Major Tapp displayed such heroism as to set him apart from his comrades. As the bombers approached the target, great numbers of enemy aircraft rose to intercept the formation. Major Tapp unhesitatingly engaged a large group of enemy fighter planes, destroying one and dispersing the others. Returning to the escort position, he observed a lone B-29 with two engines shot away, under attack by an enemy fighter. Instantly, Major Tapp sped to the bomber’s defense and destroyed the attacking plane. The crippled bomber, with its small escort, was then attacked by a flight of eight enemy aircraft. Displaying extraordinary courage and airmanship, Major Tapp engaged the numerically superior enemy, destroying one and routing the others, preventing further damage to the distressed bomber. After the B-29’s had released their bombs over the target, Major Tapp sighted another enemy aircraft. Giving chase, he again engaged the enemy to destroy his fourth enemy plane in approximately twelve minutes of combat. Major Tapp’s outstanding display of courage aided the B-29 aircraft in accomplishing their mission. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 7th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.