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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 Captain James A. Bryant, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a B-57 jet type aircraft on 14 December 1955. On this date Captain Bryant, while flying a directed mission, displayed great professional skill by recovering his aircraft from a series of violent snaps and spins which carried it far in excess of its Mach limitations. The violent maneuvers caused by a tip tank jettison malfunction, resulted in the loss of one engine and complete electrical failure, and gravely threatened the personal safety of Captain Bryant by partially activating the initiator pin of his ejection seat. Although fully aware of the possibility of being ejected through the canopy at any moment, Captain Bryant flew his seriously damaged aircraft to its home base. Through this superior performance and exemplary valor, Captain Bryant reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1965
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel James A. Bryant, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot in Southeast Asia on 15 August 1965. On that date, Colonel Bryant contributed significantly to the military capability of the United States in Southeast Asia by obtaining vitally needed intelligence information while exposed to intense hostile ground fire. With disregard for his own safety, Colonel Bryant persistently and repeatedly braved the hostile fire until his assigned mission was accomplished. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Bryant reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.