The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James W. Syme (NSN: 0-130176), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as escort for our bombers in an attack on Japanese warships in Rabaul Harbor on 5 November 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Syme employed excellent defensive tactics and materially assisted in protecting the bomber formation. Engaged by enemy aircraft, he probably destroyed one enemy fighter and escorted the bombers back to base.

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 W. Syme (NSN: 0-130176), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a fighter pilot during operations against the Marshall Islands and Paulau during World War II. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Syme scored many direct hits on enemy installations and shipping. On a vital mission to Palau he intercepted and destroyed a Japanese bomber. Later, when his flight of 10 planes encountered 30 hostile fighters, he probably destroyed one Japanese plane, although his own place was crippled during the action.