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 W. Varnum, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 31 May 1972. On that date, Major Varnum, despite adverse weather conditions and massive air defenses ranging from all calibers of anti-aircraft artillery, hostile aircraft and the highly dangerous surface-to-air missiles, attacked and destroyed one of the most vital electrical generating power plants in North Vietnam. This devastating blow to the hostile force’s logistical resources successfully halted the flow of essential electrical power to the extensive industrial complexes in the surrounding area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Varnum 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 Major James W. Varnum, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 18 December 1972. On that date, Major Varnum spearheaded a deep penetration into the heartland of North Vietnam to protect B-52 strike flights tasked in the Hanoi area. Despite an extensive heavy barrage of surface-to-air missiles, MIG interceptors, and heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire, the pinpoint navigation and critical formation needed to provide this protection was achieved enabling the follow-on strike force to accomplish its mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Varnum reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.