James H. Ledford

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Ledford, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 6167th Operations Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 8 December 1952. While serving as Engineer on an unarmed, unescorted B-26 aircraft deployed over Ullyul, North Korea, during a pass on an enemy convoy near Ullyul, the pilot was severely wounded in the hip. The aircraft went into a steep dive, and Sergeant Ledford quickly grabbed the control column, pulling the aircraft up just in time to avert a crash. The pilot could not be treated in his position, and his chances for survival after a bail-out were negligible. Realizing this, he entreated the crew to bail out and save themselves, but Sergeant Ledford and the navigator elected to remain with the aircraft to give aid to the pilot and help get the aircraft back to the base. Sergeant Ledford monitored the instruments for the wounded pilot, giving him all the assistance possible. Since they were very low on fuel, it was only through Sergeant Ledford’s skillful control of power settings that they were able to reach a friendly airfield. After touchdown, Sergeant Ledford applied the emergency air brakes safely, bring the aircraft to a stop. Through is calmness during the emergency, his decision to remain in the aircraft and his direct aid to the pilot in flying the aircraft, Sergeant Ledford was instrumental in saving the pilot and the aircraft.