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 Captain James S. Walbridge (AFSN: FR-31861), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot, on 17 January 1967. On that date, Captain Walbridge was number four in a flight of four F-105s directed to attack a vital railroad and steel mill complex in North Vietnam. With complete disregard for extremely heavy and accurate flak, Captain Walbridge executed his attack and delivered his ordnance on the target complex. His daring attack and accurate bombing resulted in severe damage to the hostile force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Walbridge reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major James S. Walbridge (AFSN: FR-31861), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 29 April 1967. On that date, Major Walbridge was tasked to strike the Hanoi Railroad/Highway Bridge, five miles east of the center of Hanoi. Disregarding the numerous surface-to-air missiles and the intense flak, Major Walbridge delivered his bombs on target with pinpoint accuracy making further use of this important supply route unusable without extensive repair. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Walbridge reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James S. Walbridge (AFSN: FR-31861), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot at Thain Nuygen, North Vietnam, on 11 March 1967. On that date, Major Walbridge was the element leader of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to strike the largest iron and steel plant in North Vietnam. In spite of the heaviest and most accurate hostile fire ever witnessed he delivered his bombs on this extremely vital target. During his bomb run, his aircraft was tossed violently up-side down by a bursting 85 millimeter shell. He quickly righted his aircraft and dropped his bombs accurately on the target. The professional competence, and aerial skill, devotion to duty displayed by Major Walbridge reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.