AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4Z

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant James M. Longshore for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a light jet attack aircraft in Attack Squadron Two Hundred Twelve, embarked in USS Hancock (CVA-19), in action against hostile forces on 23 April 1965. As a member of a striking group attacking an important highway bridge near Sam Dinh, North Vietnam, Lieutenant Longshore, by his superb airmanship, overcame the adverse factors of an extremely narrow target and ballistic crosswinds and scored direct hits on the bridge, completely knocking out one span. His professional skill and devotion to duty were directly responsible for the success of the mission and were, at all times, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.