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 Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class James Anthony Brookbank (NSN: 6267170), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Ryukyu Islands during the period 2 April 1945 to 13 May 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Brookbank completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second ClassAction Date:
March 30 – June 12, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class James Anthony Brookbank (NSN: 6267170), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as turret gunner in a carrier-based torpedo plane. Between the dates of 30 March 1944 and 12 June 1944, in the vicinity of the Palau Islands, the Western Caroline Islands, Western Dutch New Guinea, Truk, the Eastern Caroline Islands, and Guam, he participated in bombing attacks on enemy ground installations and shipping which resulted in damage to and the destruction of airfields and installations, grounded aircraft, buildings and warehouses, and enemy shipping. On 20 June 1944, he also participated in an unassisted, unescorted four plane torpedo attack on a carrier task group of the enemy fleet. In spite of the fact that anti-aircraft fire of this enemy carrier task group was concentrated on these planes, the attacks were driven home to close range and hits were scored on a large enemy carrier which resulted in the sinking of the carrier. These attacks were pressed home with skill and determination despite the fact that they were executed in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire and his skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second ClassAction Date:
October 5 – December 4, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class James Anthony Brookbank (NSN: 6267170), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 5 October to 4 December 1943. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Brookbank completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.