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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Inspector General from 1 August 1959 to 5 July 1960; and as Director of Materiel from 5 July 1960 to 15 July 1964, for the Strategic Air Command. In these key positions, General Wilson displayed outstanding leadership, originality, and professional effectiveness to improve his country’s strategic retaliatory capability. He expedited the establishment of missile defenses and streamlined logistical support to weapon systems, reducing costs to the American taxpayer. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Wilson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1967 – January 31, 1970

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Wilson distinguished himself as Vice Commander, Military Airlift Command, from 1 August 1967 to 31 January 1970. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Wilson significantly contributed to the accomplishment of the global mission of the Military Airlift Command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Wilson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    423th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    306th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 120 (August 5, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Co-pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 423th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, on 13 May 1943. Under the inspiring leadership of Colonel Wilson an important and heavily defended military installation was successfully bombed. The courage, skill and brilliant leadership displayed by Colonel Wilson on this occasion are an inspiration to all members of his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    June 26, 1965 – June 20, 1967
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-282 (August 3, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, THIRTEENTH Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, from 26 June 1965 to 20 June 1967. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of General Wilson were significantly displayed in providing tactical and logistical support for the United States Air Forces in Southeast Asia. During this period, General Wilson’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in the successful build-up of forces and facilities in the Philippines, Taiwan, and particularly in Thailand. Under General Wilson’s direction, the air defense for the Philippines, Taiwan, the Southwest Pacific, Thailand, and South Vietnam were greatly strengthened by the forward deployment of defensive aircraft. General Wilson’s achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service and reflect favorably upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    423th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    306th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 26, 1943
    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 61 (September 10, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 423th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, 26 June 1943. Before the target was reached, the aircraft in which he was serving as co-pilot was attacked by three enemy airplanes. A cannon shell exploded in the cockpit, killed the pilot, and Lieutenant Colonel Wilson’s hands were severely burned in the resultant fire. Despite the excruciating pain from burns which left his hands almost without skin, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson courageously flew his airplane on to the target and successfully bombed it. Taking violent evasive action to ward off enemy fighters who concentrated their attacks on his crippled aircraft, this officer heroically fought his way back to the English coast. The extraordinary heroism, courage, and skill displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Colonel Wilson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1944
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 534 (December 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Division Air Commander in the EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over Germany, 2 November 1944. Arriving in the vicinity of the target, Colonel Wilson’s formation encountered intense and accurate ground fire. The intensity of the barrage increased to such a degree that the combined efforts of Colonel Wilson and the pilot were required to hold the plane on its course. Despite the fact that five crew members were wounded and only two motors of the plane were operating, he tenaciously held his position and maintained a tight formation until the bomb run was successfully completed. Realizing that the safety of the other planes would be jeopardized if he continued to lead the formation with his crippled aircraft, he called for the deputy leader to take over and left the protection of the formation. When the two remaining motors developed malfunctions and caused the plane to go into a violent spin, Colonel Wilson remained cool, and expertly assisted the pilot in bringing the aircraft under control. Ignoring the fact that he was flying over terrain suitable for a crash landing, he continued to England where he landed at an emergency air base. Colonel Wilson’s courage, skill, and gallant leadership on this date are in keeping with the high traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 93 (July 6, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement, while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on thirteen bombardment missions against important targets in enemy occupied territory during World War II. Colonel Wilson has shown outstanding leadership and courage in leading the First Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on four highly successful raids against heavily fortified military objectives. On five other missions he has served as Group Leader and on each occasion the success of the mission is directly attributable to the courage, skill and leadership displayed by Colonel Wilson. The actions of Colonel Wilson on all these occasions are an inspiration to members of his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    February 23, 1956 – February 15, 1958

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States from 23 February 1956 through 15 February 1958. As Commander, 802d Air Division, Schilling Air Force Base, Kansas, General Wilson contributed immeasurably to the maintenance of peace and to the security of the nation. His outstanding skill, knowledge of strategic air power and leadership ability in commanding a vitally important strategic air division were major factors in the combat ready status attained by his command. Under his expert supervision and guidance, he developed his command from non-combat ready into one of the most effective combat ready division in the Strategic Air Command. The superior leadership, initiative, and devotion to duty displayed by General Wilson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.