AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  Cessna O-2A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James W. Speirs for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Dinh Quang, Republic of Vietnam on 25 August 1971. On that date he flew in support of a Vietnamese Army unit defending a hamlet from an attacking hostile force. Despite marginal weather conditions and automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft, Lieutenant Speirs made several highly accurate rocket marking passes to direct strike aircraft to the opposing positions. Because of his actions, the attack was halted and the hamlet saved. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Speirs reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.