AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  B-52G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James A Scherer, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52G Navigator near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 18 December 1972. On that date, Captain Scherer was tasked the responsibility of striking a target in the heavily defended Hanoi area of North Vietnam. While attacking the assigned target, Captain Scherer's aircraft came under heavy and intense fire from surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery and airborne interceptors. Disregarding these opposing threats, which presented the greatest of personal dangers, Captain Scherer, through exemplary professional skill and outstanding airmanship, aided in successfully completing the bombing attack on the assigned target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Scherer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.