The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Norman Cupp (MCSN: 0-9004), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in attacks against the enemy as a Fighter Pilot attached to a Marine Aircraft Group operating in the Solomon Islands Area . On 15 July, Captain Cupp was leading a division of four fighters on patrol over Rendova Island during which contact was made with eighteen twin-engined bombers and approximately fifty Zeros. He singled out an enemy bomber and made repeated attacks on it until it crashed into the water. Returning home from this mission, he contacted one Zero and shot the enemy fighter out of the sky. His outstanding leadership and courageous conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Norman Cupp (MCSN: 0-9004), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Division Leader attached to a Marine Fighting Squadron operating in the Solomon Islands Area from 5 to 20 September 1943. Flying cover for our bombers during retirement from a strike against Kahili Airfield, on Bougainville Island, Captain Cupp led his division in an expert interception of a large force of attacking Zeros and sent two of the fighters crashing to the sea in flames. On 18 September his division engaged a superior number of hostile dive bombers and fighters and, again displaying exceptional skill and daring, he personally brought down four bombers and aided in the destruction of another. Captain Cupp’s superb airmanship, outstanding courage and devotion to duty throughout these and other vital missions in the face of severe enemy opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.