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.

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.

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 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 near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 12 May 1967. On that date, while piloting a specially-equipped F-105F Thunderchief, Colonel McInerney led an “Iron Hand” flight in support of a large force which was under constant, imminent threat by hostile radar-controlled anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missile fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and in the face of missile launches and intense and accurate flak, he pressed attacks against the SA-2 sites, resulting in total destruction of one and partial destruction of the other. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel McInerney has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.