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 Major James R. McCarthy, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Aircraft Commander over the Republic of Vietnam on 8 April 1966. On that date, Major McCarthy displayed outstanding airmanship and personal courage in saving his crew and aircraft during a takeoff from a hostile controlled airfield. The top ten feet of a palm tree impacted and remained in the left wing damaging the plane’s control surfaces. Major McCarthy recovered the aircraft safely despite the hazardous conditions encountered. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major McCarthy reflect 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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James R. McCarthy, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 pilot over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 19 August 1968. On that date, he volunteered to fly an extremely hazardous night combat mission in direct support of a highly classified, special operation tasked by an office of the United States Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. Despite the handicaps of primary equipment failure, turbulence, instrument flight conditions, and impeding hostile threat, he elected to continue this vital mission and completed it with the highest degree of success. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel McCarthy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.