AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-17

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Lee R. James for extraordinary achievement while serving as Co-pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombardment mission over ****, 24 August 1944. On this date, the airplane in which Lieutenant James was flying was struck by anti-aircraft fire during the bombing run. The oxygen systems of the Pilot, Navigator and Engineer were destroyed. A second bombing run was initiated. Over the target a burst of flak penetrated the Pilot's compartment, striking the Pilot and leaving him unconscious. Lieutenant James immediately assumed control of the airplane. The oil pressure on the Number Three engine dropped and the propeller had to be feathered. With the Engineer acting as Co-pilot, Lieutenant James skillfully piloted the damaged airplane along the arduous route back to England. Areas of concentrated anti-aircraft fire were meticulously avoided and upon reaching home base, Lieutenant James accomplished an excellent landing. The courage, coolness and determination displayed by this Officer, resulting in the safe return of crew and aircraft, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.