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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James M. McAndrew for heroism while participating in aerial flight. First Lieutenant McAndrew distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 August 1965 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1B helicopter, one of a flight of five troop ships on a medical evacuation mission at Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1730 hours, Lieutenant McAndrew's unit received a mission to medically evacuate a number of seriously wounded personnel from Duc Co Special Forces Camp. A flight of five ships were quickly dispatched. Upon entering the operational area, Lieutenant McAndrew, disregarding the intense Viet Cong automatic weapon fire, maneuvered his aircraft into the landing zone. After landing he was informed that his ship was not needed since there were only four wounded. While on the ground, intense hostile fire was received. The wounded were quickly loaded aboard another aircraft and the entire flight departed the area at low level, and the loaded ship returned to Pleiku with the wounded. Lieutenant McAndrew's aircraft had just regained altitude when another call was monitored on the radio, requesting evacuation of casualties at a location approximately 1500 meters southwest of Duc Co Special Forces Camp. Several helicopters had aborted the mission earlier because of the intense ground fire covering the landing zone. Dangerously low on fuel and without an armed escort, Lieutenant McAndrew conferred with his Pilot and decided to make the evacuation. Entering the operational area, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into the landing zone, but was required to land on a 20 degree slope due to the terrain. The ship was held at a partial hover while the wounded were loaded. On departure from the area, Lieutenant McAndrew's ship began to receive intense hostile ground fire. Displaying raw courage, he maintained complete control of his aircraft and successfully evacuated the wounded soldiers. Lieutenant McAndrew's display of exceptional courage and consummate flying skill were directly responsible for saving the lives of the wounded personnel. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.