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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade James E. Breinholt for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based Dive Bomber during an attack on the Japanese battleship, Haruna, in Kure Harbor, Honshu, Japan, on July 28, 1945. Braving intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from enemy Naval vessels and shore installations on all sides, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Breinholt pressed home the attack and scored a direct hit aft of the superstructure, causing serious damage to the battleship. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.