Navy Federal Credit Union

James Tyler became a World War II ACE, credited with destroying 8 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, 2 of them while flying British Spitfires, and then downing 6 more plus 1 damaged after the squadron converted to the P-51 Mustang in April 1944. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1969 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    4th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James Otey Tyler (ASN: 0-727587), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    4th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 1892 (July 16, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) James Otey Tyler (ASN: 0-727587), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Tyler, 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 Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    4th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    52d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) James Otey Tyler (ASN: 0-727587), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.