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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James H. Steelquist for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Loadmaster near a classified area on the night of 12 May 1970. On that date, Sergeant Steelquist's C-130 Forward Air Controller/Target Illumination aircraft located a hostile convoy in an area of extremely rugged terrain. Although his job required him to stand in an open door while his aircraft underwent violent evasive maneuvers to avoid heavy anti-aircraft fire, Sergeant Steelquist continued to flare the hostile convoy and advised the Pilot of upcoming rounds in the aircraft's blind spot for a period of seven hours. As a direct result of Sergeant Steelquist's efforts, heavy losses were inflicted upon the hostile force. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed Sergeant Steelquist reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.