Navy Federal Credit Union

James McInerney graduated from the Georgia Military Academy in 1947 and served a year in the Army Parachute Infantry before entering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with the Class of 1952. In all, FIVE Air Force Crosses were awarded for heroism on August 11, 1967: to Lieutenant Colonel James McInerney and his Co-Pilot Captain Fred Shannon, as well as to Colonel Robin Olds, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Schurr, and Colonel Robert White. James McInerney retried in 1980 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 11, 1967

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-123 (March 27, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr., (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 airplane in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in action as Leader of a flak suppression flight in action against the Paul Doumer Bridge, a major north-south transportation link on Hanoi’s Red River in North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel McInerney suppressed six active surface-to-air missile sites defending a strategic highway and railroad bridge. Despite concentrated barrages of anti-aircraft fire and three missiles directed against his flight, Colonel McInerney displayed the highest degree of courageous leadership in destroying two missile sites and forcing the other four into sporadic operation. As a direct result of his actions, the strike force suffered no losses and imposed extensive damage to this vital target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel McInerney reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    84th Fighter Bomber Wing

    Division:

    4th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 10, 1955

    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 James Eugene McInerney, Jr. (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 10 May 1955 as Pilot of an F-86F type aircraft with the 84th Fighter Bomber Wing, FIFTH Air Force. While flying the element lead on the lead flight of an eight aircraft formation on an essential patrol mission over International Waters off the west coast of North Korea, the squadron was attacked by approximately sixteen MiG type aircraft. Approximately sixteen additional MiG type aircraft were circling above. Lieutenant McInerney immediately engaged with a flight of the attacking aircraft and by exercising superior flying ability and excellent judgment, did outmaneuver them and did fire at one inflicting severe damage on it. The aircraft was last seen smoking and heading downward indicating it was probably destroyed. By his high personal courage, skill and devotion to duty, Lieutenant McInerney has brought credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1975 – July 14, 1978

    Department of t he Air Force, Special Order GB-534 (August 3, 1978)

    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 Major General James Eugene McInerney, Jr., (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General McInerney distinguished himself as Director of Military Assistance and Sales, Deputy Chief of Staff, Systems and Logistics, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 August 1975 to 14 July 1978. During this period General McInerney’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in vitally successful United States Air Force Security Assistance Programs. His foresight, total dedication, and exceptional managerial ability during this period have immeasurably strengthened the mutual security of the United States and our allies and friends, and will continue to favorably impact United States foreign policy well into the future. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McInerney reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1979 – 1980

    Department of t he Air Force, Special Order GB-534 (August 3, 1978)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General James Eugene McInerney, Jr. (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of Programs, Deputy Chief of Staff Programs and Analysis, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1980. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McInerney 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr. (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot over Southeast Asia on 31 July 1967. On that date, flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, Colonel McInerney exhibited superior initiative and courage as he pressed an attack on a hostile surface-to-air missile complex. Persevering in the face of danger he participated in the destruction of one hostile missile site while suppressing four others in providing security for a major strike force attacking a heavily defended target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel McInerney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1967

    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 Eugene McInerney, Jr. (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Combat Aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 22 May 1967. On that date, leading a surface-to-air missile suppression flight while under devastating attacks by surface-to-air missiles, Colonel McInerney demonstrated courage, undaunted determination and superior skill in decoying the attack from the vulnerable strike force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel McInerney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 20, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2124 (November 30, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr., United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 20 May 1967. On that date, Colonel McInerney exhibited outstanding courage, initiative and determination in leading a defense suppression flight in support of a major strike force attacking a critical hostile target eight miles north of Hanoi. Suppressing three missile sites, out maneuvering six missiles and inflicting heavy damage to hostile anti-aircraft artillery sites while permitting the strike force to operate unscathed demonstrated the highest degree of courageous judgment in the face of overwhelming defenses. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel McInerney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    August 6, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr. (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a combat aircrew member in Southeast Asia on 6 August 1967. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from opposing forces, Colonel McInerney demonstrated courage, undaunted determination and superior skill in pressing home a devastating air attack against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger and death, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel McInerney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1967

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1390 (September 2, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr., (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 13 May 1967. On that date, Colonel McInerney led a surface-to-air missile suppression flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs in support of a large strike force. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and an attack by surface-to-air missiles, Colonel McInerney led a devastating attack resulting in the destruction of a hostile missile complex. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel McInerney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1967

    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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr. (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 30 September 1967. On that date, Colonel McInerney succeeded in defeating every effort several hostile surface-to-air missile sites made to attack a large airborne strike force. Braving intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he assisted in destroying one of these missile sites. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel McInerney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.