AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-34D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Clyde Henderson, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 November 1968, Captain Henderson launched as the Aircraft Commander aboard a UH-34 helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of three critically wounded Marines from an area south of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he commenced his approach to the landing zone but was forced to abort the attempt when he encountered intense hostile fire. Skillfully coordinating his second approach with fixed wing air strikes, he successfully landed and resolutely remained in his exposed position while several casualties were embarked. Forced to depart the landing zone when several rocket propelled grenades impacted near his aircraft, Captain Henderson directed his UH-34 to a nearby combat base, where the casualties were disembarked and battle damage to the aircraft was assessed as not sufficient to discontinue operations. Informed that six more Marines were seriously wounded during the fire fight and required immediate evacuation, Captain Henderson ignored the advice of the infantry commander not to attempt a landing because of increased hostile fire and boldly elected to reenter the hazardous zone. Fearlessly directing his helicopter through the enemy fire, he executed a landing and maintained his aircraft's position in the dangerous zone until the casualties were placed aboard and then skillfully maneuvered his overloaded UH-34 out of the area. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. Captain Henderson's courage, superior airmanship and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the· highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.