AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-100D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James E. Kelm for heroism while participating in aerial Flight as an F-100 D Tactical Fighter Pilot near Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam on 15 October 1967. On that date, Major Kelm provided close air support for friendly Forces who were engaged with a large hostile force. Despite the compounding hazards of hostile ground fire and marginal weather, Major Kelm aggressively delivered his ordnance with uncanny accuracy and remarkable skill. Major Kelm's expert deliveries within 30 meters of the friendly force were instrumental in the success of this operation. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kelm 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 (FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER) to Major James E. Kelm Major James E. Kelm for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a F-100 pilot near Ban Me Thuot, Republic of Vietnam on 14 November 1967. On that date, Major Kelm was diverted from his fragged target to provide close air support for friendly forces who had come under extremely heavy attack from a large, well armed, hostile force. Despite the adverse conditions of intense antiaircraft fire, extremely low cloud ceiling, hazardous terrain and marginal visibility, Major Kelm successfully delivered his ordnance with uncanny accuracy and remarkable skill. The effective and stunning display of aerial prowess by Major Kelm was instrumental in not only turning the tide of battle but also allowing for the escape of eight captured Allied troops. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Kelm 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 (SECOND OAK LEAF CLUSTER) to Major James E. Kelm for heroism as an F-100 D Tactical Fighter Pilot near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 25 January 1968. On that day, Major Kelm was scrambled at night to provide close air support to friendly forces defending Khe Sanh from a determined attack of hostile forces. In spite of poor target illumination, haze, low fuel, aircraft emergencies and intense ground fire he destroyed the hostile position. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Kelm 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 (THIRD OAK LEAF CLUSTER) to Major James E. Kelm for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot near Phan Thiet, Republic of Vietnam on 21 March 1968. On that date, Major Kelm was scrambled from the Phan Rang alert facility on a night close air support mission against a hostile force which had completely surrounded a friendly element of the 101st Airborne Division. Unable to extract or resupply the position, immediate and decisive action was necessary. Despite the complication of marginal visibility, insufficient target illumination and intense ground fire, Major Kelm made repeated, accurate, low altitude deliveries in extreme close proximity to the friendly positions, thereby neutralizing the hostile threat and saving the entire United States Army element. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kelm reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.