Page 57 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2018-2

James M. Wilhite
#1 The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to James M. Wilhite, Warrant Officer WO1, Aviation, United States Army, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, ist Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 4 May 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Wilhite distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as an aircraft commander of the command and control helicopter during a combat mission in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Warrant
Officer Wilhite learned of serious casualties suffered by a unit as a result of enemy fire and needed immediate evacuation. Warrant Officer Wilhite voluntarily and without regard for his personal safety landed his aircraft on three separate occasions under hostile fire to evacuate the wounded. Although the landing site was extremely small and not fully secured, he skillfully and with great courage landed the aircraft and managed to takeoff with a load that would not normally be considered safe. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
#2 The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to James M. Wilhite, Warrant Officer WO1, Aviation, United States Army, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, ist Cavalry Division (Airmobile), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 23 June 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Wilhite distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as an aircraft commander during a combat assault in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When a helicopter was downed in heavily
vegetated jungle Warrant Officer Wilhite immediately flew to the crash site. Hovering over the aircraft, Warrant Officer Wilhite observed a small area where he could land in order to evacuate the crewmembers. With extraordinary skill Warrant Officer Wilhite descended into the small clearing and hovered motionless so the crew could be extracted. Through Warrant Officer Wilhite’s professional knowledge the wounded crewmembers received prompt medical attention which undoubtedly saved several lives. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
WINTER 2018 / DFCS News Magazine / 57