AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class James C. Wiley for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron near Rumlong, Cambodia on 5 November 1971. On that date, Airman Wiley was a crew member onboard a combat essential flight of critically needed ammunition to a besieged concentration of allied forces cut off from all normal supply routes. Under the threat of extensive ground fire, Airman Wiley quickly and efficiently assisted in the determination and application of a temporary solution to a malfunction in the aft cargo ramp and door that had forced the initial approach to the drop zone to be aborted. As a result of this skillful and coordinated reaction, the load was successfully deployed, and the mission was accomplished. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Airman Wiley 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 to Sergeant James C. Wiley for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron near Rumlong, Cambodia, on 10 November 1971. On that date, Sergeant Wiley flew an emergency airdrop of 32,000 pounds of critically needed ammunition to a beleaguered outpost, which was completely surrounded by armed hostile forces. In spite of intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, Sergeant Wiley performed his aircrew duties with exact precision, resulting in a completely successful airdrop. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Wiley 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 to Sergeant James C. Wiley for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kontum Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 May 1972. On that date, Sergeant Wiley flew an emergency resupply mission of critically needed ammunition to the defenders of Kontum. After his aircraft received extensive battle damage, resulting in the loss of nine feet of the left wing, despite intense hostile ground fire, Sergeant Wiley performed his aircrew duties with exact precision resulting in a completely successful emergency landing. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Wiley reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.