Navy Federal Credit Union

James Jefferson graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1964. He was missing in action while serving as a U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. His remains were recovered and returned in June 2000.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    April 22, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James Milton Jefferson (AFSN: FR-78733), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 22 April 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Jefferson participated in a highly classified mission in support of the Allied military effort. The professional skill with which the mission was executed and the complete disregard for personal safety in the face of numerous threats by the hostiles is in the highest tradition of Air Force mission accomplishment. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Jefferson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 2 – 19, 1967

    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 Milton Jefferson (AFSN: FR-78733), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, from 2 January 1967 to 19 January 1967. During this period, Lieutenant Jefferson flew extremely hazardous cover missions in support of strike aircraft in Southeast Asia. So effective was his cover that the strike flights were able to accomplish their mission successfully each day without loss or harassment from hostile aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Jefferson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    366th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1967

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James Milton Jefferson (AFSN: FR-78733), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4C Pilot of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 12 May 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Jefferson participated in an extremely hazardous escort mission. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles, and numerous hostile aircraft along his flight path, he carried out his mission in an outstanding manner. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Lieutenant Jefferson has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.