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 Major James Edward Gilliland (AFSN: FR-31488), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 2 September 1967. On that date, Major Gilliland’s skill and persistence were paramount in obtaining the assigned military objective in the presence of hostile action. To successfully accomplish the objective, he was subjected to continuous hostile anti-aircraft, missile, and MiG threats through the most heavily defended area yet encountered in aerial combat. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Gilliland reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major James Edward Gilliland (AFSN: FR-31488), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.