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 Major James T. Billingsley, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander northwest of Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 12 August 1972. On that date, Major Billingsley flew as wingman in a weather reconnaissance flight attacked by two hostile aircraft. With disregard for his personal safety, Major Billingsley provided an invaluable contribution to the flight’s success in eluding the initial attack and in destroying one of the enemy aircraft in the following engagement. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Billingsley 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James T. Billingsley, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander in the vicinity of Vinh, North Vietnam, on 15 January 1973. On that date, Major Billingsley planned and flew a high priority reconnaissance mission over one of the most highly defended areas in Southeast Asia. Although encountering intense anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, Major Billingsley successfully photographed his assigned targets and returned without damage to his aircraft, providing higher headquarters with valuable intelligence information about enemy defenses and logistical movements. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Billingsley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.