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 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Benjamin Linder (NSN: 0-521643/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action with the enemy while attached to and commanding Attack Squadron SEVENTY-SIX (VA-76), aboard U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)65). On 11 May 1966, commander Linder led six A-4C Skyhawk aircraft on a primary mission responsible for the protection of a large strike group against surface-to-air missiles during the important attack on the vital military and supply targets at Ha Tou, North Vietnam. By his skillful deployment of aircraft, he was able to successfully suppress the launching of any SAM’s against the strike group, although his own flight was forced to remain dangerously exposed to anti-aircraft fire for a prolonged period of time. Commander Linder had been directed to proceed on a second mission at the completion of the Ha Tou strike, and attack an active surface-to-air missile installation near Thanh Hoa, a hundred miles to the south. Proceeding to the objective through deteriorating weather and under fire from enemy SAM’s, Commander Linder was able to locate and identify the site, despite clever efforts at camouflage and concealment. As he ordered his division to immediately execute a high speed, precisely timed, coordinated attack, all aircraft were taken under intense and accurate fire from the complex of radar controlled heavy anti-aircraft guns and automatic weapons completely surrounding the site. Despite the withering fire, the pilots resolutely followed Commander Linder in pressing home a determined, deliberate attack which placed all bombs in the target area and resulted in complete destruction of the missile installation, with no losses to our own forces. The completely successful execution of two very difficult, highly demanding, and extremely dangerous missions on a single flight is an achievement of unusual distinction, and must be attributed to Commander Linder’s superior professional ability, his consummate flight leadership, and his absolute courage I the face of grave personal hazard. Commander Linder’s skill and intrepid conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.