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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer James R. Mitchell for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Mitchell distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as pilot of a UH-1H helicopter supporting a classified special forces operation. An emergency extraction of a reconnaissance patrol, which was in heavy contact with an enemy force, was in progress when one of the recovery ships came under fire as it was leaving the landing zone. It immediately began going down and burst into flames as it hit the ground. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he unhesitatingly hovered his aircraft over the landing zone for nearly ten minutes while his gunner went out to assist the injured survivors. As his gunner went to the downed crew's assistance, his crew chief provided devastating fire cover from the hovering ship. After all of the survivors of the downed ship were loaded aboard, he immediately departed the area to safety. Through his courage and personal bravery, he contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of the mission. His 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.