James F. Collins’ Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to

James F. Collins

Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy surface forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Captain Collins led a provisional flight of medium bombardment airplanes to seek out and attack a large Japanese Naval Force. Upon sighting the enemy fleet, he unswervingly led his airplanes into action. Subjected immediately to an exceptionally strong fighter attack with which he had a running gun fight for almost thirty minutes, it was only by skillful handling of his airplane that he was able to avoid this and subsequent anti-aircraft fire and keep the formation together. Arriving before other Army forces, he carried out the first torpedo attack ever entered into by airplanes of this type or by the Army Air Forces, and its ultimate success primarily depended upon the skill and intrepidity of the leader. Captain Collins sought out a large enemy aircraft carrier protected on all sides by gunfire of all types from enemy battleships, cruisers and destroyers. Although the carrier was trying to elude his approach, he did, by evasive maneuvering, avoid the gunfire and completed his approach. By his superior leadership Captain Collins carried out a most hazardous mission under the most adverse conditions and was unfaltering in his courage. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Collins on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.