Brigadier General James E. McInerney, Jr.,USAF, received the Air Force Cross for his extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as lead of a flak suppression flight near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel McInerney suppressed six active surface-to-air missile sites defending a barages of antiaicraft 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 on this vital target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and agressiveness in the face of hostile forces. Colonel McInerney reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

B.G. McInerney joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.