AWARDED DFC: 1
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 Captain James A. Howd, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Howd distinguished himself by heroic actions on 17 April 1968, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1D helicopter for Company A, 25th Aviation Battalion on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. A long range reconnaissance patrol was in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force and Captain Howd's aircraft was called upon to help extract the team. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Howd directed his helicopter into the intense enemy fire. One patrol member then managed to leap up, grab a skid, and pull himself into the aircraft. One by one, the remaining soldiers climbed aboard. Once they were safely aboard, Captain Howd skillfully maneuvered his aircraft out of the extremely hazardous landing zone, taking such effective evasive action that his aircraft was never hit by the intense enemy fire. His valorous actions and outstanding leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Captain Howd's personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.