(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) James B. Tipton (ASN: 0-22554), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 363d Fighter Group and later the 358th Fighter Group in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Tipton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.