James A. Watkins

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James A. Watkins (0-427786), Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 26 July 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. On this date Captain Watkins destroyed four enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Captain Watkins’ unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.