James Elms Swett (1920-2009) U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot and Medal of Honor recipient for actions while a division flight leader in VMF-221 over Guadalcanal on April 7 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a division leader in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO TWENTY-ONE in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands Area April 7 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of 150 Japanese planes First Lieutenant Swett unhesitatingly hurled his four-plane division into action against a formation of fifteen enemy bombers and during his dive personally exploded three hostile planes in mid-air with accurate and deadly fire. Although separated from his division while clearing the heavy concentration of anti-aircraft fire he boldly attacked six enemy bombers engaged the first four in turn and unaided shot them down in flames.
