AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James M. Smith for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Engineer at Qui Nhon, Republic of Vietnam on 5 June 1969. On that date, Sergeant Smith was taking off from Qui Nhon, his C-130 aircraft suffered a sudden and severe power loss. The aircraft started sinking rapidly and was in danger of impacting in a civilian hotel. Immediately recognizing the prop malfunction Sergeant Smith directed emergency action which corrected the problem and averted a possible disaster. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.