James Herbert Alexander, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to James Herbert Alexander, Jr., Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane in Patrol-Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED THREE (VPB-103), during action against enemy German forces over the Bay of Biscay, on 4 September 1943. While conducting a highly dangerous antisubmarine patrol, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Alexander, under a vicious attack by six twin-engined fighters, maneuvered the bomber with such precise skill that his gunners were able to shoot down one hostile craft and cripple three others. Although his own plane was set afire in the vigorous air battle, her flying instruments rendered inoperative and her four engines badly damaged, he nevertheless carried on, despite a painful head wound, until he had evaded the remainder of the enemy and effected a safe landing at sea. Successfully abandoning the big flying boat, he and his crew rode out a severe storm in a rubber life raft before reaching land two days later. Lieutenant Alexander’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 323 (February 1944)