The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Sergeant James R. Hillhouse, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster for the 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron at An Loc, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 April 1972. On that date, Sergeant Hillhouse flew a tactical emergency low level airdrop of critically needed ammunition to a besieged concentration of allied forces located in a heavily defended area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and intense automatic weapons activity, Sergeant Hillhouse performed his aircrew duties with exact precision, resulting in a completely successful airdrop only seconds after taking a 51 caliber hit in the nose section. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hillhouse reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.