The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class James J. Spanel, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 335th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Spanel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a crew member of a lift helicopter engaged in a reconnaissance mission in the U Minh Forest. One of the gunships involved in the operation had crashed, and was burning in a clearing near several enemy positions. Specialist Four Spanel’s aircraft quickly landed near the downed aircraft, amid heavy fire from enemy automatic weapons. With total disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Four Spanel leaped from the aircraft and began searching for the downed crew men. He located one crew member standing near the aircraft, and helped him back to the safety of the awaiting aircraft. Again, while exposing himself to the continuing enemy fire, Specialist Four Spanel returned to the burning aircraft, going as far as 25 meters from its location in search of the other crew men. An enemy machine gun then opened fire on him, forcing him to withdraw, under heavy fire, to his own aircraft. His display of exceptional heroism, above and beyond the call of duty, saved the downed crewman’s life. His conscious disregard for his personal safety and extreme 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.