AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-100

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James T. Piner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Forward Air Controller operating over North Vietnam on 14 February 1968. On that date, Captain Piner operated in poor weather over a heavily-defended area of North Vietnam in search of a major supply transshipment point reported by intelligence sources. After a long and daring low-altitude search, he located the extensive supply area. As strike fighters arrived, he made numerous, accurate marking passes into the face of heavy hostile fire. After expending all of his marking ordnance, he continued to mark targets and direct fighters with low-angle strafing passes. His efforts were responsible for the location and destruction of a major hostile supply area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Piner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James T. Piner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Fighter Pilot and Flight Lead near Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 24 May 1968. On that date, friendly forces engaged in a search and clear mission made contact with a battalion-sized hostile force and were incurring heavy losses. Undaunted by hazardous weather and hostile automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft, Captain Piner accurately placed his ordnance on the hostile positions inflicting heavy damage. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Piner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.