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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James M. Boone for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Major Boone distinguished himself while serving as Pilot of an unarmed OV-1 aircraft on a visual reconnaissance mission in Phong Dinh Province. After sighting several large camouflaged enemy supply sampans, he directed the fire of UH-1 gunships and allied artillery on the insurgents. He marked the enemy positions by diving and making low passes over the area despite heavy ground fire from the enemy. Several sampans were sunk or damaged in the initial engagement as a result of his skillful and courageous flying. When his ship received heavy damage from the intense enemy ground fire, he returned to the area in another aircraft and continued to locate and make the enemy vessels for the gunships. With his aircraft shot up badly, he was forced to leave the bullet swept area. Returning to Binh Thuy Airbase, he managed to get his landing gear down and locked only by the most daring and precisioned flight maneuvers and landed safely. Through his courage and remarkable flying ability, he was truly instrumental in the successful completion of the mission and was responsible for the saving of a highly valuable Army aircraft. 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.