AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James I. Gummere for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 1 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, he directly assisted in the destruction or damage of 24 hostile supply vehicles, the creation of nine sustained fires and the ignition of 39 secondary explosions. Putting himself in a very uncomfortable and potentially hazardous position, two-thirds of his body extending over the aircraft's aft ramp, Sergeant Gummere was able to quickly and precisely assess anti-aircraft fire directed toward his aircraft. His clear and concise instructions for evasive maneuvers made him instrumental to the safe return of the aircraft and crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gummere reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James I. Gummere for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 8 February 1971. On that date, he took part in an air strike directed at the fiercely defended supply routes along the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail. Displaying exemplary courage in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire associated with each target, Sergeant Gummere steadfastly performed his duties as his crew relentlessly pressed the attack. Through his actions, 31 hostile vehicles were damaged or destroyed, seven secondary fires started, 200 secondary explosions ignited and large amounts of supplies destined for use against friendly forces destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gummere reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James I Gummere for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator in Laos on 18 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail, his determination and technical skill contributed immeasurably to the destruction or severe damage of 32 hostile supply vehicles, as well as the creation of nine secondary fires and explosions. Despite the intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he performed his duties with finesse and daring as his crew continued to press the attack throughout the night. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gummere reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James I. Gummere for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator over Laos on 19 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 32 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of five secondary fires and four secondary explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 471 rounds of hostile anti-aircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gummere reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

5.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James I. Gummere for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Illuminator Operator over Laos on 14 April 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 38 hostile supply vehicles, and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. From his exposed position on the aft cargo ramp of the gunship, he scanned the hostile terrain for anti-aircraft gun positions and flawlessly called proper evasive maneuvers to the Pilot, thereby assuring aircraft and crew survival and making these exceptional mission results possible. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.