The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James E. Breinholt, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a United States Navy carrier-based dive bombing plane in an attack on the Japanese Battleship HARUNA in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy naval vessels and shore installations on all sides, he skillfully and accurately executed his dive, scoring a direct hit immediately aft of the superstructure of the target which was left seriously and extensively damaged as a result. His expert airmanship and outstanding courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.