AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer James L. Wittman for heroism in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 April 1968. While supporting the 308th Aviation Battalion, the Black Angel’s fire team was returning from an emergency medical evacuation escort to rejoin the 308th Aviation Battalion at Landing Zone Veghel, Republic of Vietnam. Two miles short of their destination, Chief Warrant Officer Wittman was alerted by his wing ship that he was receiving fire. While caught in a heavy blanket of enemy fire, Chief Warrant Officer Wittman put his aircraft in a sharp descending left turn to avoid the enemy fire. Upon completing one full turn, he observed his wing ship under fire from the enemy position. Without hesitation, he dove his aircraft toward the enemy, in a joint effort to cover his wing ship and return fire on the enemy anti-aircraft position. He made three consecutive assaults on the enemy emplacement, while maintaining effective cover for the wing ship. The devastating ordnance expended, Chief Warrant Officer Wittman initiated a left turn south of the enemy position and aided in directing artillery on the area until his fuel status made him return to his base camp for rearming and refueling. Chief Warrant Officer Wittman’s personal 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.