AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  F-111F

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James M. Young for gallantry in connection with military operations against the Republic of Iraq near Salman Pak Biological Weapons Storage Bunkers, Iraq, 17 January 1991. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Young was the overall package commander for a twelve ship strike force during an initial wave of coalition aircraft on day one of operation Desert Storm. Displaying exceptional bravery and courage, he successfully attacked a heavily defended biological munitions bunker in the face of grueling anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missile engagements. Without regard to personal safety, he climbed into the heart of the ground fire envelope to accurately deliver his munitions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Young has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lieutenant Colonel James M. Young for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-111F Aircraft Commander, over the Republic of Iraq, on 18 January 1991. On that date, Colonel Young was mission commander of a five ship package of F-111Fs tasked for an attack against a heavily defended chemical munitions bunker in the face of grueling antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air engagements. Displaying exceptional bravery and courage, and knowing the destruction of the facilities at this airfield were critical to the allied war effort, he dauntlessly led his mission through intense enemy defenses while personally completing a successful attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Young reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lieutenant Colonel James M. Young for heroism while participating in aerial flight at Ali Al Salem Airfield, Kuwait, on 30 January 1991. On that date, Colonel Young was mission commander of a 30-ship package of F-111Fs, EF-111As, F-4Gs, and F-15Cs tasked for a night attack against Ali Al Salem Airfield. Displaying exceptional bravery and courage, and knowing the destruction of the facilities at this airfield were critical to the allied war effort, he dauntlessly led his mission through intense enemy defense while personally completing two successful attacks. Imagery later confirmed his package severely damaged Ali Al Salem, denying its use as an Iraqi forward operating base. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Young reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.