The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class James W. Muelchi, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter near Hue, Republic of Vietnam on 6 February 1971. On that date, Airman Muelchi’s outstanding airmanship and extensive technical skill, displayed under hazardous conditions, culminated in the rescue of five Vietnamese airmen from their crashed helicopter. Airman Muelchi exposed himself to hostile ground fire manning his defensive gun position throughout the rescue effort, thus insuring the safe rescue of the five airmen. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Airman Muelchi reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.