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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James A. LePenske, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Captain LePenske distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as Aircraft Commander of a utility helicopter on an emergency rescue mission on 19 July 1971. He was notified of the downing of a gunship in coastal waters. He immediately volunteered for the urgent rescue mission and, within minutes, he and his Co-pilot were on their way to the rescue of the downed crew. He spotted the downed aircraft and was able to hover his aircraft above the twisted wreckage and rescue the survivors. Completing the mission, he returned to his home base. The urgency and hazards of this rescue mission were principally due to its being carried out during the hours of darkness and the danger of fire from fuel leakage in the downed helicopter. Captain LePenske's performance of this mission, at the risk of his own life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.