James E. McInerney Air Force Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE CROSS
PRESENTED TO
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES EUGENE MCINERNEY JR.
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Eugene McInerney, Jr., (AFSN: 0-23452), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 airplane in the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in action as Leader of a flak suppression flight in action against the Paul Doumer Bridge, a major north-south transportation link on Hanoi’s Red River in North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel McInerney suppressed six active surface-to-air missile sites defending a strategic highway and railroad bridge. Despite concentrated barrages of anti-aircraft fire and three missiles directed against his flight, Colonel McInerney displayed the highest degree of courageous leadership in destroying two missile sites and forcing the other four into sporadic operation. As a direct result of his actions, the strike force suffered no losses and imposed extensive damage to this vital target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel McInerney reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Born: 3 August 1930 in Springfield, Mass…. Enlisted in the Army, serving as an airborne infantryman until his selection for the U.S. Military Academy (graduate of Class ’52)… Also awarded two Silver Stars and seven Distinguished Flying Crosses… Retired as major general in 1980… Brother of Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas G. McInerney… Passed away: 14 October 2014