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.

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.

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.

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.