AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G, OH-6A, UH-1D/H

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James P. Davidson, ARMOR, United States Army Troop B, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 November 1969, while serving as aircraft commander during a rescue mission near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Davidson immediately began to coordinate the air and ground elements in the recovery operation. Within minutes the ground to air fire increased and a second aircraft was shot down, Lieutenant Davidson began putting down accurate suppressive fire. In the ensuing battle another aircraft was downed by enemy elements, he (?) was then forced to divide his available rescue elements again. He then broke station to refuel, after refueling and rearming, Lieutenant Davidson returned to the area of contact and found that another aircraft had been shot down. He then began making low level passes over the last downed aircraft to provide security for the downed crew until they could be extracted. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James P. Davidson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 December 1969, while serving as Aircraft Commander with Troop B, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry in the Republic of Vietnam. When the Bu Dop Special Forces compound came under intense mortar attack, First Lieutenant Davidson immediately went in search of the enemy positions. Although subject to intense ground-to-air fire, he continually exposed himself while bringing effective suppressive fire on the hostiles, neutralizing three separate mortar positions. As a result of his actions, the enemy attack was quickly halted and the Special Forces Camp was relieved from further casualties or damage. First Lieutenant Davidson's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to First Lieutenant James P. Davidson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 December 1969, while serving as Aircraft Commander with Troop B, 1st Squadron, (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry during a combat rescue mission near Duc Phong, Republic of Vietnam. When a helicopter was shot down by enemy fire, First Lieutenant Davidson volunteered to fly to the area. Receiving intense ground fire, he skillfully placed heavy fire on known and suspected positions and called in air strikes. Coordinating adjustment of the airstrike, other gunships, and the rescue operation of two downed helicopters, he made numerous low level passes to recon the area even though his craft was continually subjected to small arms fire. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to First Lieutenant James P. Davidson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 May 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. When the flight came under heavy enemy fire, he volunteered to make repeated sweeps through the area placing suppressive fire on the hostile positions. Despite receiving hits which damaged his aircraft, he continued his assault until gunships could arrive and engage the aggressors. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

5.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain James P. Davidson, ARMOR, United States Army Troop B, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Cambodia. Captain Davidson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1970, in the Republic of Cambodia. While on a recon mission Captain Davidson’s craft came under intense fire. He engaged and neutralized the enemy positions while marking them for airstrikes. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.