AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James H. Weddell for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 November 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Weddell was serving on a command and control helicopter which was dispatched in support of a friendly ground unit engaged with an unknown size enemy force in the Catcher's Mitt area. When Lieutenant Weddell observed that the supporting gunships were receiving intense ground fire, he disregarded his personal safety and brought his aircraft into position under hostile fire to afford the Ranger Command and Control team on board an advantageous position from which to direct the movement of the friendly ground element. When the ground unit required extraction, Lieutenant Weddell demonstrated exceptional skill in guiding the extraction aircraft into the pickup zone with the best possible axis of approach to avoid ground fire. Once the extraction was successfully completed, he aggressively maneuvered over the contact area to mark the enemy positions for the attacking Cobra gunships. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism significantly contributed to the success of the operation. First Lieutenant Weddell's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

2.) The President ofthe United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer James H. Weddell for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 November 1969. On that date, Chief Warrant Officer Weddell was Co-Pilot and Gunner of his helicopter on a Light Horse Team on a distress call by friendly river boats which had been ambushed and suffered heavy casualties. Upon arriving over the contact area, a scout ship observed a seriously wounded soldier and descended to make an emergency evacuation. Chief Warrant Officer Weddell observed insurgent fire directed at the scout ship and immediately descended to treetop level to engage the insurgent emplacement with his deadly accurate mini-gun and cannon fire which drew further fire away from the evacuation ship. He continued to disregard his personal safety, as he made several more low-firing passes until the scout ship was safely out of danger. Chief Warrant Officer Weddell further risked his life, as he made numerous low passes at the enemy to provide further covering fire for two additional friendly medical evacuations. His courageous initiative and exemplary professionalism significantly contributed in the successful evacuation of several friendly casualties and resulted in saving numerous friendly lives. Chief Warrant Officer Weddell's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.