AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to James D. Salyer, Warrant Officer, W1, United States Army, Troop B, 7 th Armored Squadron, 17 th Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 30 April 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Salyer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a light observation helicopter on an aerial reconnaissance mission northeast of Dak To Airfield. When the lead observation ship was downed by intense enemy fire, he immediately alerted his helicopter team and proceeded directly to the contact site. Despite heavy automatic and small arms fire, he descended over the burning aircraft through thick bamboo, cutting the underbrush with his rotor blades, to locate any survivors. Spotting several enemy soldiers moving toward the crash site, he directed the circling gunships onto the insurgent's position, while utilizing his observer's machinegun to place suppressive fire around the downed aircraft. Warrant Officer Salyer remained at his vigil with calm disregard for his own safety, until all possible hope for his comrades had been exhausted, and he was forced to return for fuel and armament. 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.