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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant James Edward Hamm (AFSN: FV-3171400), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C pilot in Southeast Asia on 18 January 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Hamm was diverted from his primary mission to provide air support for the rescue of a downed airman in North Vietnam. Ignoring several anti-aircraft positions which were firing at his aircraft, Lieutenant Hamm, with complete disregard for his personal safety made repeated rocket and strafing attacks silencing a key anti-aircraft site allowing successful rescue of the downed airman. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hamm reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    390th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    366th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    March 14, 1968

    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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant James Edward Hamm (AFSN: FV-3171400), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-4D Pilot of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action near Hue, Republic of Vietnam on 14 March 1968. On that date while providing close air support for a helicopter evacuation of friendly forces, Lieutenant Hamm repeatedly exposed himself to heavy ground fire by making low altitude bombing runs against the hostile positions. On the fourth pass his aircraft was hit forcing him to bail out near the hostile positions. In imminent danger of capture, Lieutenant Hamm took cover and calmly and deliberately called in air strikes directly on his position in a final attempt to secure the area for the rescue helicopter. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Hamm has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.