James Walter Wilson

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Co-pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 423th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, on 13 May 1943. Under the inspiring leadership of Colonel Wilson an important and heavily defended military installation was successfully bombed. The courage, skill and brilliant leadership displayed by Colonel Wilson on this occasion are an inspiration to all members of his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 423th Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe, 26 June 1943. Before the target was reached, the aircraft in which he was serving as co-pilot was attacked by three enemy airplanes. A cannon shell exploded in the cockpit, killed the pilot, and Lieutenant Colonel Wilson’s hands were severely burned in the resultant fire. Despite the excruciating pain from burns which left his hands almost without skin, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson courageously flew his airplane on to the target and successfully bombed it. Taking violent evasive action to ward off enemy fighters who concentrated their attacks on his crippled aircraft, this officer heroically fought his way back to the English coast. The extraordinary heroism, courage, and skill displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Colonel Wilson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) James Walter Wilson (ASN: 0-22174/FR-1711), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Division Air Commander in the EIGHTH Air Force, on a bombing mission over Germany, 2 November 1944. Arriving in the vicinity of the target, Colonel Wilson’s formation encountered intense and accurate ground fire. The intensity of the barrage increased to such a degree that the combined efforts of Colonel Wilson and the pilot were required to hold the plane on its course. Despite the fact that five crew members were wounded and only two motors of the plane were operating, he tenaciously held his position and maintained a tight formation until the bomb run was successfully completed. Realizing that the safety of the other planes would be jeopardized if he continued to lead the formation with his crippled aircraft, he called for the deputy leader to take over and left the protection of the formation. When the two remaining motors developed malfunctions and caused the plane to go into a violent spin, Colonel Wilson remained cool, and expertly assisted the pilot in bringing the aircraft under control. Ignoring the fact that he was flying over terrain suitable for a crash landing, he continued to England where he landed at an emergency air base. Colonel Wilson’s courage, skill, and gallant leadership on this date are in keeping with the high traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.