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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) James S. Marsili, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary actions with the 47th Bombardment Group (L) on a night reconnaissance mission over northern Italy during World War II. Sighting a concentration of motor vehicles near La Spezia, he directed his pilot on two precision runs over the objective, them Marsili released his bombs with devastating effect, destroying twelve motor transports and starting several fires. On more than fifty-five combat missions as a bombardier in both A-20 and A-26 aircraft, his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.