AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James E. Haslitt, Jr., for extraordinary heroism and gallantry while participating in aerial flight. First Lieutenant Haslitt distinguished himself by heroism in action on 17 December 1966, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1D lift helicopter during a combat assault mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. While placing troops in a blocking position, Lieutenant Haslitt, realizing a number of hostile machine gun positions were in the area, skillfully made a low level approach into a small clearing and quickly discharged the infantrymen. Upon takeoff from the landing zone, his aircraft received sporadic machine gun fire, but he returned after picking up another force and safely delivered them to the battlefield amid a hail of hostile fire. When his lift section was directed to establish another blocking position, Lieutenant Haslitt made eight more trips into the battle area, without the aid of armed helicopter protection, to deliver the friendly troops. Having successfully completed this mission, Lieutenant Haslitt received word that one more lift had to be made into the area of initial contact and several casualties had to be extracted from the battlefield. Immediately volunteering for the mission, he headed for the landing zone and, without regard for his own safety, skillfully landed the helicopter in the confined area, unloaded his troops and loaded the casualties aboard his aircraft. While departing the landing zone, his aircraft came under intense enemy fire and sustained five hits. Lieutenant Haslitt’s display of courageous action and professional flying ability 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 Captain James E. Haslitt, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. These men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the Air Mission Commander and Co-Pilot of a combat assault to locate an enemy prisoner of war compound. Having successfully completed the insertions, these men remained in the area of operation to direct a fire team of gunships and give the ground troops continuous aerial support. At this time, an enemy soldier was captured and agreed to lead the Allied force to the prisoner of war camp. As the wing gunship had developed maintenance difficulties, these men, knowing time was essential, immediately volunteered to cover the lead gunship with their door gunners and began reconnoitering the suspected area. Once the suspected prisoner compound had been sighted, they made repeated low passes over the enemy camouflaged bunkers and hootches to mark them with smoke. They skillfully maneuvered their aircraft to cover the lead gunship and allow the ground commander a continuous view of the battle below and accurately direct the gunship strikes against several enemy soldiers attempting to escape the advancing ground troops. Due to their daring courage and determination, forty distressed prisoners were successfully liberated and numerous weapons and supplies captured. Their actions were in in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit and the United States Army.