The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant James Wayne Gough (AFSN: AF-19438148), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52D Fire Control Operator assigned to the 441st Bomber Squadron, 72nd Strategic Wing, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 28 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Gough provided an airborne defense against hostile interceptor aircraft and alerted the Aircraft Commander to potential missile threats as they occurred. His superior self-discipline, courage under fire, and technical competence were critical to the delivery of the weapons on the assigned target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gough 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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Senior Master Sergeant James Wayne Gough (AFSN: AF-19438148), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Squadron Fire Control Operator, B-52B, over North Vietnam on 17 November 1972. On that date, Sergeant Gough flew against and neutralized a key North Vietnamese logistical complex vital to the North Vietnamese offensive waged in South Vietnam. Despite extremely heavy enemy defenses and numerous equipment malfunctions, Sergeant Gough defended and helped direct his aircraft to a successful bomb release. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gough reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.