Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Brierton
Townsend
, Jr.
November 15, 1923

–

May 17, 2014

Born:

Chadron

, 

Nebraska

Home:

Chadron

, 

Nebraska

Buried: 

Colorado Springs

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

James Townsend graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1945. He retired in 1974 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    1966 – 1968
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Colonel James Brierton Townsend, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16831A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Civil Engineer, 835th Combat Support Group, from 1966 to 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Townsend and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    12th Tactical Reconnaissance (NP) Squadron

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 10, 1952
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 315 (July 13, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James Brierton Townsend, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16831A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an unarmed RB-26 Reconnaissance Aircraft of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photo, FIFTH Air Force, on 10 May 1952. On that date Major Townsend was assigned the photographic coverage of rail cuts on the heavily fortified Sinanju-Sinuiju rail line in North Korea. Encountering intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Major Townsend fearlessly continued on his target run until enemy searchlights caught his plane and began cycling his cameras, nullifying his attempts to photograph the target. Exposing himself to the enemy ground barrage as well as the night fighters from the Sinuiju area, Major Townsend dived on the searchlights, glide bombed them with flash bombs and then intrepidly offered himself as a decoy to enable night intruders to suppress the defenses operating against him. The resulting photographic coverage gave vital intelligence to the United Nations Command. The skill and daring of Major Townsend, his great courage and devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    Korean War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Brierton Townsend, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16831A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of an unarmed RB-26 aircraft, 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photo, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea in 1952. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    1972 – 1975
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Legion of Merit to Colonel James Brierton Townsend, Jr. (AFSN: 0-16831A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, from 1972 to 1975. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Townsend culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.