Assigned to 416th Fighter Squadron, 12th AF. Credited with two kills. Major James Urso survived an aircraft crash on 22 April 1945. He was seriously wounded on an armed recce mission from their base at Pontedera over the Po Valley, Italy.



Awards: DSC, PH, POW, WWII Victory, EAME, American Defense and Campaign Medals.



Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)



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 Major (Air Corps) James D. Urso (ASN: 0-737904), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-61* Night Fighter Airplane in the 416th Night Fighter Squadron, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 22 April 1945, in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. Major Urso's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 12th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.



Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, General Orders No. 71 (1945)



* de Havilland Mosquito serial number NT248