Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Richard
Slay
July 26, 1923

–

April 6, 2020

Born:

Alexandria

, 

Louisiana

Home:

Alexandria

, 

Louisiana

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

James Slay graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1950. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    12th Air Commando Squadron

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 to Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Slay, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 12th Air Commando Squadron, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia from 1968 to 1969. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    12th Air Commando Squadron

    Regiment:

    315th Air Commando Wing

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Slay, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Slay distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Pilot with the 12th Air Commando Squadron, 315th Air Commando Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia in 1968 and 1969. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Slay, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1973
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Richard Slay, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Air Force Service Command, from 1969 to 1973. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Slay culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    12th Air Commando Squadron

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Slay, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 12th Air Commando Squadron, in action against the enemy in Southeast Asia from 1968 to 1969. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1973
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Richard Slay, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Air Force Service Command, from 1969 to 1973. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Slay and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.