AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Enduring Freedom
MODEL:  AH-1W

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James J. Reiss, III for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Section Leader and Pilot of an AH-1W, Super Cobra, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-773(-)(Rein), Combined Joint Task Force 76, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On 1 August 2004, Captain Reiss launched in response to a report that anti-coalition forces were attacking a border control point between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He positioned the aircraft in the vicinity of the border control point and suppressed the identifiable enemy positions. While avoiding sustained volleys of rocket-propelled grenades, automatic weapons, and small arms fire that were being directed at his aircraft, Captain Reiss observed that part of the border control point had been overrun and fierce fighting was now taking place within the border control point compound. He delivered devastating machine gun and rocket fire into an enemy position in the compound. Due to his decisive and courageous actions, the enemy was decimated, and the border control point was saved. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Captain Reiss reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.