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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James Audy Hays (AFSN: FR-51191), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4C Aircraft Commander of the 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in action in Southeast Asia on 1 June 1967. On that date, Major Hays openly attacked active gun sites in North Vietnam to suppress the intense ground fire being received by the remainder of his flight. Carrying rockets, Major Hays penetrated intensive anti-aircraft fire to score direct hits upon the active sites. On pulling off the target, his aircraft received a direct hit from 37/57-mm. anti-aircraft fire which shot away the outer two feet of the right wing and caused numerous shrapnel holes in the aircraft fuselage. Demonstrating excellent pilot skill, Major Hays succeeded in landing his badly damaged aircraft without further incident. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Hays has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    6167th Operations Squadron

    Division:

    6167th Air Base Group

    Action Date:

    January 26, 1953
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, Special Orders G-306 (1953)

    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 James Audy Hays (AFSN: FR-51191), United States Air Force, for exceptional courage while participating in aerial flight with the 6167th Operations Squadron, 6167th Air Base Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 26 January 1953. First Lieutenant Hays, as pilot of an unarmed, unescorted C-46 type aircraft, flew a classified intelligence mission very deep within enemy held territory. To avoid detection by enemy radar stations, the aircraft was flown at altitudes of only five hundred feet above surrounding terrain. The target was located in an area only ten miles from a known operational airfield which contained enemy jet aircraft. The area also was known to contain a large number of enemy anti-aircraft batteries and searchlights. Disregarding his own personal safety, First Lieutenant Hays stayed in the target area until he had successfully located the target. Successful location of the target necessitated flying at an altitude of five hundred feet above rugged, mountainous terrain even though visibility was approximately three miles. By his high personal courage and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Hays has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.