Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 29 (May 19, 1944)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) James Alexander Goodson (ASN: 0-885241), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 16 March 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. Major Goodson, while leading in a squadron of fighter airplanes furnishing protection to bombers, attacked a force of more than eight enemy fighters, despite the fact that they had the protection of twenty to thirty fighters acting as top cover. In this encounter Major Goodson destroyed one enemy plane. In spite of his unfavorable combat position he engaged and damaged another enemy fighter. Although his own plane was damaged by flying pieces of this enemy plane he attacked and fought another enemy plane until his ammunition was exhausted. Again on 23 March, 1944, Major Goodson displayed great courage in attacking a superior force of enemy fighters similarly protected from above, and destroyed one of their number. He then attacked and destroyed an enemy fighter which was attacking a friendly fighter which appeared to be in distress. The outstanding heroism displayed by Major Goodson upon these occasions reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.