Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Phillip
Fleming
March 12, 1943

–

James Fleming graduated from Moses Lake (WA) High School, alma matter of fellow Medal of Honor recipient Joe Ronnie Hooper, making that school one of the few in history to claim two Medal of Honor recipients. He retired in 1996 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    20th Special Operations Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1968
    GB-477, June 23, 1970

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain [then First Lieutenant] James Phillip Fleming, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing, in action near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 November 1968. Captain Fleming distinguished himself as the Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F transport Helicopter. Captain Fleming went to the aid of a six-man special forces long range reconnaissance patrol that was in danger of being overrun by a large, heavily armed hostile force. Despite the knowledge that one helicopter had been downed by intense hostile fire, Captain Fleming descended, and balanced his helicopter on a river bank with the tail boom hanging over open water. The patrol could not penetrate to the landing site and he was forced to withdraw. Dangerously low on fuel, Captain Fleming repeated his original landing maneuver. Disregarding his own safety, he remained in this exposed position. Hostile fire crashed through his windscreen as the patrol boarded his helicopter. Captain Fleming made a successful takeoff through a barrage of hostile fire and recovered safely at a forward base. Captain Fleming’s profound concern for his fellowmen, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    20th Special Operations Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1968
    Special Order G-3002 (July 25, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James Phillip Fleming, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing, DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in action against the enemy on 25 November 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Fleming, Aircraft Commander of a UH-1F helicopter, reached a Special Forces Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol which was under attack and about to be overrun by a large hostile force. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Fleming descended into and landed in a hostile automatic weapons and rocket barrage to rescue the Special Forces Patrol. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Fleming has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Phillip Fleming, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Fleming and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    20th Special Operations Squadron

    Regiment:

    14th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 16, 1969
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-3379 (August 21, 1969)

    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 First Lieutenant James Phillip Fleming, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Aircraft Commander near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 January 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Fleming descended his helicopter through intense hostile fire to rescue an encircled, friendly six-man reconnaissance patrol. Although two of the patrol members were wounded, and the pick up had to be made by rope ladders, he calmly and expertly maneuvered his aircraft into a high hover and effected the rescue of the entire team. The outstanding heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Fleming reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.