The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James William Warner, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 15 March 1968, Major Warner launched as the Flight Leader in a flight of eight CH-46 helicopters assigned the emergency re-supply of a Marine outpost on Hill 881 South near the Khe Sanh Combat Base. After receiving a 4,000 pound external load of medical supplies at Dong Ha, he expeditiously navigated his aircraft to the designated areas, and as he approached the landing zone, the helicopter immediately came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese machine gun and mortar fire. Disregarding his safety, he resolutely maneuvered his aircraft into the hazardous position and, ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, commenced a precarious hover. Although his helicopter was repeatedly struck by enemy machine gun rounds, he steadfastly maintained the aircraft in the dangerously exposed position and, after disconnecting the cargo, departed the zone. Despite his helicopter’s critical shortage of fuel, he resolutely remained above the fire-swept position while directing the other aircraft of his flight in completing the re-supply. His bold initiative and superb airmanship inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Major Warner’s courage, superior professional ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.