AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-119G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bobby L. James for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-119G Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 14 May 1971. On that date, Captain James’ gunship was launched to support a strategically located friendly outpost that was under heavy mortar and small arms attack and in danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. Disregarding intense antiaircraft fire that threatened his personal safety, Captain James continuously attacked the hostile forces for over two hours with an accurate and sustained concentration of gunship firepower. He was directly responsible for silencing two antiaircraft sites, inflicting heavy casualties upon the hostile forces, and securing the outpost for the friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain James reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.