AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James Lopez for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Loadmaster on a C-130 at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 17 February 1968. On that date, while flying an aerial resupply mission of friendly forces, Sergeant Lopez prepared the critically needed cargo so well and worked in such close coordination with his fellow crew members that the supplies were successfully air-dropped onto the drop zone despite the influence of low ceilings, hazardous terrain, and hostile ground fire. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Lopez reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.