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 D. Reeves (AFSN: FR-27775), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force near A Shau, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 and 4 may 1968. On those dates, Colonel Reeves led his flight in support of helicopters attempting the rescue of friendly troops in imminent danger of being captured by a hostile force. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Reeves made numerous low level passes to direct the intense and accurate hostile fire to himself and away from the rescue helicopters. Even though his aircraft was damaged, Colonel Reeves placed his aircraft between the helicopter and the hostile terrain to insure that the helicopter crew safely reached a suitable landing area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Reeves has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Major James D. Reeves (AFSN: FR-27775), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1H Pilot near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam on 20 March 1968. On that date, Major Reeves was diverted from his scheduled mission to provide rescue air support for friendly ground forces receiving intensive ground fire from a numerically superior hostile force. The close proximity of the opposing force necessitated extreme accuracy in delivering all ordnance. With complete disregard for the intensive ground fire directed against him and flying in marginal weather Major Reeves through his judicious choice of tactics and unerring bombing accuracy suppressed all hostile ground fire in the immediate vicinity, resulting in the safe removal of the friendly force by helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by May Reeves reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order G-156 (July 3, 1969)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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel James D. Reeves (AFSN: FR-27775), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an A-1H pilot near Tigre Island, North Vietnam, on 20 October 1968. On that date, Colonel Reeves was scrambled, as flight lead of two A-1H Skyraiders, to provide air cover for rescue helicopters attempting the pickup of six downed crew members. As on-scene commander, Colonel Reeves, with complete disregard for his own safety, continuously exposed himself to extremely heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire in order to effectively direct the suppression of hostile fire aimed at the downed crew members. His extraordinary bravery and valorous leadership were decisive factors in the successful rescue of the six American aircrewmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Reeves reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.