The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Robinson Risner, (AFSN: AO-779602), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea while serving as a Pilot, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 5 September 1952. As leader of a flight of four F-86’s Captain Risner sighted several flights of MiG’s circling above him. He then observed four MiG’s begin a diving attack on two F-86’s, one of which hit a hung wing tank. Captain Risner dispatched his element as high cover and immediately went to the aid of the F-86’s. By this time the leading MiG had closed within firing range and opened fire on the F-86 with the hung tank. Captain Risner unhesitatingly attacked the leading MiG and firing he hit the MiG from a range of 3,000 feet. He stayed with the leading MiG following him through several maximum performance maneuvers. In a brilliant display of flying skill Captain Risner cut off the enemy until at close range his withering fire started the MiG burning and the pilot was forced to eject. Captain Risner’s courage and his brilliant marksmanship prevented the probable loss of an F-86 resulting in the destruction of one MiG. Through his actions he has brought the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James Robinson Risner, (AFSN: AO-779602), United States Air Force, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 21 January 1953. On this occasion, Major Risner was leading a flight of four F-86’s on a combat air patrol, when he attacked twelve MiG aircraft. During the ensuing engagement, Major Risner concentrated his attack upon one of the enemy aircraft. As he followed the MiG through many violent evasive maneuvers, Major Risner fired three short bursts, which disabled the enemy aircraft, forcing the pilot to abandon his crippled MiG. Simultaneously, with the enemy pilot’s ejection, Major Risner’s windshield was struck by debris from the disintegrating MiG. Furthermore, the flying glass particles from the shattered windshield inflicted numerous lacerations upon Major Risner’s face, right hand, and entered his right eye, causing temporary blindness. Despite the combination of wounds, temporary blindness, and intense cold caused by the frigid air blasts, Major Risner safely landed his aircraft at the home base. Through his incredible tactical ability, airmanship, and courage, Major Risner not only destroyed one MiG-15, but saved his F-86 from certain destruction. By his gallantry in action and devotion to duty, Major Risner has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain James Robinson Risner, (AFSN: AO-779602), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, on 5 August 1952. As the flight leader of four F-86’s which were scrambled to intercept a formation of MiG’s in the area of Pyongyang, Captain Risner sighted three formations, approximately twenty MiG’s in all. One formation of six MiG’s were attacking a flight of F-86’s so Captain Risner’s flight split into two elements and he initiated a vicious attack which momentarily stunned the enemy. Positioned behind the number two MiG Captain Risner fired several short bursts which struck the enemy aircraft in the engine and left wing root. Not satisfied with the damage already inflicted he followed the MiG through a series of violent evasive maneuvers firing several more bursts into the tail section causing it to smoke, explode and disintegrate. The MiG was last seen in a spin emitting smoke and fire. Through his superlative airmanship and selfless devotion to duty Captain Risner has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.