Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 81 (VT-81)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18)

    Action Date:

    January 15, 1945

    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 James Andrew Brakefield (NSN: 0-116344), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based torpedo plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VT-81), embarked in U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), and assigned the mission of striking enemy shipping in the vicinity of Formosa on 15 January 1945. In spite of accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack and scored a direct hit on a large enemy tanker causing an explosion and setting the enemy vessel ablaze. His courage and skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 27 (VT-27)

    Action Date:

    April 15, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James Andrew Brakefield (NSN: 0-116344), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a torpedo bomber in Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VT-27), while operating from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. On 15 April 1943, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Brakefield searched for and found a reported camouflaged enemy vessel at Rekata Bay. In a perfect glide bombing attack he placed all four of his bombs on the ship destroying it so quickly that accompanying escort fighters had time for only one strafing run, and a second torpedo bomber had no need to drop his bombs. On 17 April flying one of two planes on a search attack mission for ships to Bougainville area, he hit and damaged a large enemy cargo vessel in an attack at mast head height in spite of spirited anti-aircraft defenses on the part of a nearby armed guard vessel. In addition to these successful attacks, he took part in 28 military missions against enemy fortified positions in the Solomons area encountering heavy anti-aircraft defenses and enemy fighters. His skill as a pilot and determination in pressing home the attacks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.