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 Colonel James R. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6227), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Solomon Islands Area from 31 January 1943 to 25 September 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Anderson completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 542 (VMF(AW)-542)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
February 23 – June 30, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James R. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6227), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot and Commanding Officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMF(AW)-542), and subsequently as Commanding Officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VMF(AW)-513), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 23 February to 30 June 1951. A superb airman and skilled leader, Lieutenant Colonel Anderson personally led his squadron in repeated air strikes on hostile targets throughout this period and, despite the hazards involved in carrying out attacks at night and during instrument weather conditions, aided materially in providing effective support to friendly ground forces. On one occasion, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft in darkness over rugged terrain and through cloud base lower than the surrounding peaks, pressing home daring attacks on an enemy truck column in the face of intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire and inflicting severe damage on the enemy. Flying in instrument conditions on another flight, he guided his section through hostile anti-aircraft fire down into the target area and launched bold attacks on a convoy of enemy vehicles. Locating the hostile gun positions, he released his bombs at minimum range in the face of intense hostile fire and scored direct hits on the enemy emplacements. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty inspired all those who served with him and reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Anderson and the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
January 10 – 30, 1943
Commander 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial A-897 (July 1, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James R. Anderson (MCSN: 0-6227), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Solomon Islands Area from 10 January 1943 to 30 January 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Anderson completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred and on one or more of these missions such enemy opposition was encountered. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.