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 (Air Corps) James C. Landrum, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-47 type aircraft of the 79th Fighter Group. On 6 June 1944, Lieutenant Landrum led a section of an eleven-plane formation in dive-bombing a concentration of enemy rail equipment near Tarquinia, Italy. Displaying superior flying ability as he skillfully maneuvered through a heavy overcast and intense anti-aircraft fire upon the approach to the target, Lieutenant Landrum released his bomb with precision accuracy, destroying or damaging a large quantity of vital equipment. Despite continued ground fire, Lieutenant Landrum re-formed his flight and repeatedly strafed a large concentration of enemy motor transports, destroying 100 vehicles and damaging many others. Then sighting an enemy gun position which was directing fire at his flight, Lieutenant Landrum immediately dived to minimum altitude and silenced the battery. On more than eighty-five combat missions his steadfast devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.