AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, “J” “C” Stires for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Night Fighting Squadron Ninety One, attached to the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area on 9 August 1945. While flying dusk combat air patrol, Lieutenant, Junior Grade (then Ensign) Stires, spotted an enemy dive bomber in the twilight and, skillfully maneuvering his aircraft to within 200 feet, caused the hostile plane to go out of control with one burst. Following the stricken plane down, he sighted a second dive bomber just above the water and, after a short pursuit, destroyed it, thereby contributing materially to the prevention of a possible suicide attack on the Task Force. His airmanship, courage, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.