The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Alfred Boatright (NSN: 0-251426), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights in operations against the enemy on Nansei Shoto and Kyushu. As pilot of a carrier-based plane during the period from 18 March to 14 May 1945, he participated in twenty strikes against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, inflicting extensive damage. His skill and courage were at all times inspiring and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Alfred Boatright (NSN: 0-251426), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in operations against the Japanese Fleet on 7 April 1945, in the East china Sea. As a member of a flight of Torpedo Bombers he participated in a squadron low-level coordinated torpedo attack against major units of a Task Force of the enemy fleet including a battleship, cruisers and destroyers. During the action he attacked the enemy battleship. He pressed home his attack to minimum torpedo dropping range, dropped his torpedo and passed directly over the battleship. The Japanese battleship maneuvered radically causing his torpedo to miss, but in so doing was forced to turn toward the other members of his attack group who scored four damaging hits. His courage and skill in carrying out with perfect timing the pre-arranged plan was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.