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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Specialist Four James B. Young for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Young distinguished himself while serving as Crew Chief aboard a helicopter ambulance during rescue operations near Binh Thuy. Responding to an urgent request to evacuate wounded American soldiers, Specialist Young and his teammates sped to the embattled area. As soon as the helicopter touched ground, the specialist disembarked and rushed across the fire-swept area to the aid of the wounded soldiers. Under a continuous barrage of enemy fire, he carried the wounded personnel back to the aircraft. After unloading the wounded soldiers at Kien Long, his helicopter returned to the firing area. Although exposing himself to the hostile fire concentrated at him, Specialist Young again carried the injured ground troops aboard the air ambulance. Then, on his third mission to the embattled location, Specialist Young leaped from the hovering airship amid the intense fusillade and quickly loaded more allied casualties into the rescue helicopter. Specialist Four Young's outstanding courage 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.