AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1N Helicopter Gunship

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James R. Wagner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Gunship Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 July 1971. On that date, Captain Wagner executed numerous devastating firing passes at treetop level in support of the capture of intelligence data and equipment from opposing forces deep in hostile territory. Despite intense antiaircraft fire, the extremely accurate and lethal firepower from Captain Wagner's helicopter was instrumental in the successful completion of the mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain James R. Wagner for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Gunship Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 September 1971. On that date, Captain Wagner was instrumental in the rescue of a Long Range Reconnaissance Team which was surrounded and under intense automatic weapons fire deep in hostile territory. Despite heavy antiaircraft fire, the extremely accurate and devastating firepower from Captain Wagner's helicopter allowed the rescue of the beleaguered team. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain James R. Wagner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Aerial Helicopter Aircraft Commander near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 September 1971. On that date, Captain Wagner was instrumental in the rescue of a beleaguered Reconnaissance Patrol which had one member wounded and was pinned down under intense hostile fire. Being exposed to enemy ground fire, Captain Wagner maneuvered his aircraft into a difficult landing zone while the recovery was completed and immediate medical attention was afforded the wounded team member. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Third Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain James R. Wagner for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Pilot near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 September 1971. On that date, Captain Wagner landed his aircraft in the middle of a large hostile force in an attempt to recover members of a beleaguered reconnaissance patrol. Captain Wagner remained in the area constantly exposed to hostile fire until all team members had been recovered. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

5.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain James R. Wagner for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Aircraft Commander near Polei Djereng, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 January 1972. On that date, Captain Wagner executed numerous firing passes at treetop level in support of a downed Vietnamese Transport helicopter deep in hostile territory. Despite intense hostile automatic weapons fire around the aircraft, Captain Wagner continued to provide highly accurate ordnance until the downed aircraft's crew members and passengers could be rescued. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.