AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer James W. Dean for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Dean distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of the wing ship of a scout helicopter team on a reconnaissance mission near Vinh Long. He was covering the command and control helicopter as it was extracting captured enemy documents, when it exploded and crashed. While attempting the rescue of wounded personnel, the scout team was engaged by hostile fire from surrounding tree lines. When the lead ship was hit and downed, Chief Warrant Officer Dean hovered his aircraft above a suspected mine field in order to accomplish the rescue of the wounded, and during the rescue operation, he kept up a devastating barrage of suppressive fire until he had completely expended all of his ammunition. After landing in the mine field, he took one wounded man aboard his ship and flew him to a medical facility. Immediately, he returned to the crash site to help direct an insertion of infantry. Chief Warrant Officer Dean's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were exemplary. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.