The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James R. Spofford (AFSN: 13371A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations as a Pilot of an F-80G Shooting Star Fighter-Bomber of the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 13 July 1952. As Flight Leader of a flight of four F-80 type aircraft, Colonel Spofford displayed outstanding airmanship and navigational skill in leading his flight through intense and accurate automatic weapons fire to dive bomb enemy artillery, supply caves and bunkers. Upon entering his dive-bombing run, Colonel Spofford’s aircraft received a direct hit in the right main wing tank, exploding it, causing a large hole in the main spar and major damage to the horizontal stabilizer. Disregarding personal safety, Colonel Spofford continued his run, assisting in the destruction of six bunkers and one artillery piece. After the bomb run it was discovered that his wingman was also hit. Although Colonel Spofford’s aircraft was hard to control, he maintained his usual high caliber of leadership and directed from the area the flight of his wingman, whose cockpit was filled with smoke. As a result of this highly successful mission the enemy was substantially hindered in pressing any further attack in that sector. By his high personal courage, flying skill and exemplary devotion to duty, Colonel Spofford reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.