The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class James H. Morris, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a crew member of a Patrol Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron One Hundred Sixteen, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the enemy air base on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on October 12, 1944. When his plane was intercepted by enemy fighters while accompanying another bomber in search for survivors of a downed squadron plane, Morris aided his pilot in continuing toward his objective despite fighter opposition and contributed to the destruction of six of the eight hostile craft attacking them. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.