AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1H, TH-55A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James L. Pressman for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by valorous action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Pressman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 8 September 1969, while serving as Aircraft Commander with Troop C, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry in Phouc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. As his helicopter approached a pre-selected landing zone for insertion of the patrol, First Lieutenant Pressman skillfully maneuvered through numerous obstacles as he descended vertically into the bomb crater. As the patrol moved away from his aircraft, the enemy engaged the aircraft with heavy automatic weapons fire and First Lieutenant Pressman slowly ascended and flew the aircraft out of the landing zone. First Lieutenant Pressman repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he orbited the contact area, protecting the patrol and controlling the air support. When the patrol encountered heavy opposition he braved the enemy fire to descend slowly and vertically into the nearly inaccessible landing zone to extract the patrol. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James L. Pressman for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by valorous action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Pressman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 30 September, 1969, while serving as Pilot during a night extraction near Song Be, Republic of Vietnam. When a long-range reconnaissance patrol came in contact with a superior-sized enemy force, First Lieutenant Pressman deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire in order to cover the patrol and direct them to a pick-up site. He was forced to abandon the extraction when severe thunderstorms drove him off, but he returned an hour later and again exposed himself to intense fire by hovering over the pick-up zone with only artificial illumination to guide him as the patrol was extracted. Leaving the pick-up zone, he was forced to go into instrument flight in order to return the patrol to safety. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James L. Pressman for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by valorous action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Pressman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 30 December 1969 while serving as Aircraft Commander in the Republic of Vietnam. Volunteering to resupply an infantry unit in heavy contact with badly needed ammunition, Captain Pressman quickly flew to the area and observed the unit under intense fire and pinned down. With complete disregard for his own safety, he let his aircraft down through the fire and into the landing zone. As a result of his heroic actions, the infantry platoon was successfully resupplied with ammunition to repel the attack. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.