AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James M. Hesson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 March 1970. Lieutenant Colonel Hesson distinguished himself while serving as Pilot of an UH-1H lift helicopter during a mission to recover two helicopters downed by enemy fire in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. He descended slowly and vertically into the small landing zone to insert a crew to rig the downed aircraft for extraction. Colonel Hesson hovered less than one hundred meters from known enemy positions while the downed aircraft was rigged. When he directed a CH-47 recovery helicopter to attempt the extraction, intense enemy fire struck the recovery helicopter, disabling it, and forcing it to depart. Despite the enemy fire, Colonel Hesson lowered his aircraft into the landing zone to rescue the rigging crew. Although the enemy fire had intensified, he maintained a steady hover while the rigging crew was lifted aboard and successfully flew through hostile fire to safety. Lieutenant Colonel Hesson's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.