Navy Federal Credit Union

On November 26, 1950, two American liaison men were trapped in North Korea and surrounded. Pilot James Carroll and his back-seat gunner Johnny Correy landed amid enemy fire to pick him up doubled in the back seat in the first T-6 Mosquito piggy-back rescue. John Enyart, flying without a back-seat gunner, also landed to pick up the second man. All three men were awarded the Silver Star. Carroll was later mission in action and subsequently listed as killed in action on a mission on February 6, 1951.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    6147th Tactical Control Squadron

    Regiment:

    66th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    Far East Air Forces

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1950

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 80 (March 1, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Carroll Lee James (ASN: AO-842219), United States Air Force, for exceptional gallantry in action on 26 November 1950. While piloting an unarmed T-6 Mosquito Reconnaissance aircraft of the 6147th Tactical Control Squadron, 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FAR EAST Air Forces on a pre-briefed mission over enemy territory, Lieutenant James heard a plea for help from an injure forward ground controller who was surrounded by a large number of enemy troops. Because of the intense smoke and haze, the ground was barely visible, and only through exceptional alertness did he and his observer succeed in locating the man near an unfinished airstrip. Displaying remarkable courage, and completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant James landed the plane despite continuous enemy rifle fire. By the time he had rescued the wounded controller, enemy forces were pouring in from all directions, concentrating their fire on the aircraft. As the plane became airborne, the enemy was in complete control of the field. By his superior flying skill and decisive action, Lieutenant James saved the life of a member of the United Nations forces. His unfailing courage under fire, his conspicuous gallantry and his unswerving devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit upon Lieutenant James, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.