The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant James Hughes, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with Attack Squadron 155 aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43) in combat operations in the Tonkin Gulf from February to November 1965. In the successful completion of over 100 combat missions, Lieutenant Hughes contributed materially to the success of United States efforts. He was involved in numerous major air strikes against bridges, power stations, military facilities, and fuel depots in the Red River Delta, an area of the most intense air defenses, including surface to air missiles. He also flew day and night road reconnaissance missions to slow the flow of supplies from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, attacking choke points at bridges and rivers where the enemy was quick to strengthen its defenses. He unflinchingly pressed home his attacks in the face of a determined and resolute foe. The strain of daily combat operations for periods of four to five weeks over an extended deployment never kept him from performing his duty as a naval officer and naval aviator. Lieutenant Hughes’ personal bravery, superb airmanship, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.