AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to James E. Stein, Captain, Corps of Engineering, United States Army, 335th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 17 January 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Stein distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the command and control element of eight troop carrying helicopters and three gunships performing an emergency extraction of an allied unit in danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. Under conditions of limited visibility and intense enemy fire, he volunteered to fly the command and control helicopter to the site of the besieged friendly force. After flying low level over hostile territory through darkness to reach the landing zone, he encountered stiff enemy opposition in the battle area. As he remained well within range of enemy fire he controlled, coordinated and directed a series of devastating airstrikes, guiding the rescue helicopter in a brilliant low entry and exit from the fiercely contested landing zone. His courage, professionalism, sound judgement contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Captain Stein's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty, coupled with complete disregard for his own personal safety was instrumental in saving the beleaguered forces from certain death or capture. 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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to James E. Stein, Captain, Corps of Engineering, United States Army, 335th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 9 October 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Stein distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a night scouting aircraft in support of a small friendly force under attack by an estimated enemy company. Upon arrival, he immediately began to search in the darkness for the enemy. Suddenly his aircraft came under a tremendous barrage of enemy fire and a rocket propelled grenade exploded at close range, causing the aircraft to swerve over eight feet to the right. Even as he fought to regain control, he spotted four enemy soldiers fleeing and directed devastating fire onto them. Throughout the night, he pursued the enemy until his fuel situation became critical and he was forced to return to refuel. Through his outstanding flying ability and undaunted determination in the face of enemy fire, Captain Stein was highly instrumental in turning the enemy attack into an Allied success. 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.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) to James E. Stein, Captain, H Trp, 17th Air Cav (WFAPAA A), United States Army, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 5 May 1972 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Stein distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as scout lead of an observation helicopter. A friendly unit with tanks and troops had been forced back by a large bunkered enemy unit. Captain Stein volunteered to pin point the enemy unit for tactical air and artillery. He piloted his aircraft into the area at tree top level fully aware of the large enemy build up. A large bunker was sighted containing the enemy. Captain Stein turned the aircraft back directly above the bunker marking it with smoke for the overhead gunships. The gunships fired and did not achieve the required direct hit to destroy the large bunker. Captain Stein observing his previous marking smoke had dissipated again hovered back into the area at tree top level to remark. Intense anti-aircraft machine gun fire now filled the air encompassing his aircraft with fire and tracers and ripping holes through its frame. Despite this intense fire which had crippled his aircraft, he skillfully repositioned the aircraft enabling his crew member to remark and take the bunker under fire. Captain Stein then maneuvered the battered aircraft toward an open area where he safely landed enabling the rescue aircraft room to land for medical evacuation of the wounded observer. Captain Stein's outstanding flying ability, bravery, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster) to James E. Stein, Captain, H Trp, 17th Air Cav (WFAPAA), United States Army, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 19 June 1972 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Stein distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a pilot in an light observation helicopter. During an air cavalry operation northeast of Kontum, Captain Stein was asked to scout an enemy bunker complex which was the suspected location of at least one artillery battery. After being informed that aircraft scouting the same area the day before had curtailed the mission due to small arms, automatic weapons, and large caliber antiaircraft fire, Captain Stein still volunteered to enter the area. Captain Stein skillfully maneuvered his helicopter into position to observe the area when the helicopter came under heavy fire, wounding both Captain Stein and his observer. While making a mayday call, Captain Stein directed his aircraft toward the nearest safe landing zone two kilometers away. The severity of his wound prevented him from operating the pedals of his aircraft. Undaunted by the odds stacked against him, and operating under great physical duress due to extreme pain and loss of blood, Captain Stein directed his crippled craft to the minute landing zone, instructing his observer on the use of the pedals. Immediately after touchdown he passed out as a result of his wounds, but not before he landed the aircraft without further damage, saving the lives of himself and the observer. His outstanding flying and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.