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 Chief Warrant Officer James C. Meyers for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Chief Warrant Officer Meyers distinguished himself on 10 June 1965 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Meyers was on a routine mission when he received word that all available helicopters were needed to airlift Vietnamese troops from Ben Cat to the area of Thuan Loi where a battle was in progress between units of the Vietnamese army and the Viet Cong. He immediately volunteered for the mission despite the known danger. His request was granted, and he proceeded to Ben Cat where he joined another unit loading troops for the combat assault. Chief Warrant Officer Meyers then flew with this unit to a landing zone in the battle area. As his helicopter approached, the ground area erupted with intense enemy automatic weapons fire. His ship was struck repeatedly by automatic weapons fire seriously wounding the Pilot, killing two ARVN soldiers, and wounding two others. Chief Warrant Officer Meyers was struck on the back of the helmet by an enemy round and was momentarily stunned. Recovering quickly, he took control of the seriously damaged helicopter and prevented it from crashing into the ground. He calmly directed the fire of his door gunners against hostile emplacements clearly visible in nearby buildings. After successfully flying his damaged ship out of the immediate battle area, Chief Warrant Officer Meyers directed the efforts of his gunners to aid the stricken Pilot. He then proceeded directly to the nearest medical collection point where the Pilot was treated and evacuated. Throughout the engagement, he calmly directed the actions of his crew and inspired them by his performance under intense fire. Chief Warrant Officer Meyers’ daring courage and quick thinking prevented the loss of his helicopter and saved the lives of all on board. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.