The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander James Benjamin Linder (NSN: 0-521643/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of a jet aircraft while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN (CVW-15), embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), on 24 October 1967. As the strike leader of the first Navy assault on the strategic and heavily-defended Phuc Yen Airfield near Hanoi, North Vietnam, Commander Linder participated in the planning and coordination phases of the joint-services assault group assigned to strike this strategic target. He led the vanguard attack aircraft element deep into enemy territory to destroy significant numbers of aircraft and deny the use of a vital airfield to the enemy. After encountering fierce enemy opposition, the group was able to penetrate and deliver large quantities of ordnance directly on the target which was rendered unserviceable by the attack. Despite the loss of two Target Combat Air Patrol aircraft and critical damage to the wingman and division leader within his element, Commander Linder fearlessly pressed the attack to its ultimate success. Finding himself engulfed by bursting flak and missile detonations, he executed a precise bombing run through a break in the overcast against enemy aircraft parked in their revetments. One MiG was left burning, while another was heavily damaged after his courageous single-plane attack. Notwithstanding the deteriorating weather conditions, formidable enemy defenses, and unplanned dispersal of forces, Commander Linder rallied the striking elements to prosecute and succeed in this daring mission. His inspiring leadership, outstanding aerial skill, and extraordinary valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Commander James Benjamin Linder (NSN: 0-521643/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of a jet aircraft while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN (CVW-15), embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 25 October 1967, Commander Linder led a strike force comprised of 30 aircraft in a major Air Wing assault on the strongly-defended Phuc Yen Airbase located 12 miles north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. His professional leadership and astute knowledge of the formidable enemy defenses which ringed this vital area and his employment of tactics to nullify these defenses were crucial to the overall strike plan and a key factor in the devastating attack which ensured. Navigating across 120 miles of fiercely-defended enemy terrain, he was tracked on four different occasions by deadly enemy surface-to-air missiles. Calmly assessing each situation, he alerted the force to the threats and heroically led daring and successful feints while jinking continuously, and judiciously selecting altitudes which he observed to be relatively free of concentrated anti-aircraft flak. While initiating the attack he observed several more surface-to-air missiles tracking his force. Alerting the force to this new threat and completely disregarding the heavy concentration of enemy anti-aircraft fire which assailed his aircraft, he courageously and with unerring accuracy led the strike force in devastating dive bombing runs on the assigned aircraft revetments. Commander Linder’s tenacious courage and dynamic leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander James Benjamin Linder (NSN: 0-521643/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of a jet aircraft while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN (CVW-15), embarked in U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). On 23 October 1967, Commander Linder led a 30-plane carrier striking force in a masterfully executed assault which destroyed the massive Hai Duong Railway/Highway Bridge. Located deep within North Vietnam and heavily defended by an imposing array of anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles, this vital bridge served as a major logistic link connecting the port city of Haiphong with the interior military forces in North Vietnam. Displaying consummate knowledge of enemy defense capabilities, Commander Linder contrived and executed a brilliant plan of attack which derogated the enemy’s defenses and permitted his own forces to inflict maximum damage. Courageously and with grim determination he maneuvered his elements through fierce and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire while calmly deploying his forces for the final assault. After scoring numerous direct hits on the bridge structure with his own element’s accurate attack and without regard for personal safety, Commander Linder remained within the enveloping curtain of enemy fire to personally direct the efforts of the remaining elements. As a result of this devastating air bombardment, the western span of the bridge was dropped into the water and the eastern portion heavily damaged. Commander Linder’s valiant leadership, resolute courage and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.