The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Phillip Padgett (AFSN: AF-03046561), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Combat Crew Member in Southeast Asia on 25 April 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from opposing forces, Captain Padgett demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing a devastating air attack against a hostile surface-to-air missiles’ site. Persevering in the face of danger and death, his relentless action effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Padgett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major James Phillip Padgett (AFSN: AF-03046561), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105G Electronic Warfare Officer over Southeast Asia on 21 April 1972. On that day, Major Padgett suppressed the hostile surface-to-air missile sites and radar directed anti-aircraft artillery batteries surrounding a heavily defended coastal bridge in support of F-4 strikes against that strategic target. In a display of heroism of the highest order, Major Padgett directed repeated attacks against the surface-to-air missile sites posing the greatest threat to the strike forces and although all of his ordnance had been expended, he remained in the target area, dodging the deadly missiles, permitting the strike force to attack their target and egress safely. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Padgett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Phillip Padgett (AFSN: AF-03046561), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Electronic Warfare Officer in Southeast Asia on 16 January 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Captain Padgett demonstrated courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Padgett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James Phillip Padgett (AFSN: AF-03046561), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a F-105G Electronic Warfare Officer over Southeast Asia on 16 April 1972. On that date, Major Padgett penetrated deep into the heavily defended hostile territory to suppress the extremely dangerous surface-to-air missiles that posed a deadly threat to the strike force attacking valuable petroleum resources. With the utmost dedication, Major Padgett repeatedly directed devastating attacks against those sites posing the greatest threat, enabling the attacking forces to destroy their valuable target and escape without damage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Padgett reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.