AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  UH-1C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James D. Speer for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant Speer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot and Gunner of an armed UH-1C helicopter on 19 December 1968, in support of a friendly force that was completely surrounded and outnumbered. Lieutenant Speer put deadly and accurate minigun fire to within 30 meters of the friendly positions, although receiving heavy enemy fire on each pass and taking numerous hits in the aircraft. Although two of the crew were wounded, he continued to overfly enemy weapons positions and, thereby, drew their fire away from the beleaguered force and permitted them to escape from their extremely perilous situation. 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James D. Speer for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant Speer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed helicopter on 7 May 1969 escorting unarmed helicopters extracting friendly infantry in heavy contact near Ben Het. The unarmed helicopters on approach were receiving heavy fire from several enemy positions. As the extraction continued, the unarmed helicopters were still receiving heavy enemy fire. Seeing this, he maneuvered his helicopter between the enemy fire and the unarmed helicopters. Through his courage and sound judgment, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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.

3.) he President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James D. Speer for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant Speer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1C gunship on 9 May 1969. When an enemy 122mm rocket exploded 100 meters from the aircraft, he scrambled his gunship off the strip in the midst of enemy rockets and mortars. Once airborne, he joined in a search for the rocket site. As the gun team pulled off station, they began receiving intense .50 calibre fire from a bunker. The lead ship of the team began firing rockets and miniguns at the position with First Lieutenant Speer on his wing position. Seeing the numerous tracers fired at the lead ship, First Lieutenant Speer began firing rockets and managed to provide enough suppressive fire for the lead ship to break outbound. He repeated the procedure on a second rocket site, adjusting his Pilot's miniguns fire. He continued the assault until his ship was completely expended, then returned to Dak To to rearm and refuel. 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.