The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James William Palekaluhi Andrews (MCSN: 0-90515), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot-in-Command of an armed UH-1E helicopter attached to Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6) in the vicinity of Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam on 28 August 1967. Captain Andrews was assigned to act as Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) and to lead a flight of two armed UH-1E helicopters which were to provide an armed escort for the placement of a Marine Reconnaissance team deep within enemy controlled territory. The initial phases of the operation proceeded without incident; however, as the tiny ground unit began its movement, it encountered a force of armed Viet Cong and was immediately engaged in a furious fire fight. Captain Andrews, braving intense enemy fire, quickly located the team despite the dense jungle foliage. The enemy force, now numbering nearly forty men, had moved to within ten meters of the hard-pressed Marines. Captain Andrews, in full realization of the team’s plight, unhesitatingly took the enemy under fire. With deadly accuracy, he delivered his ordnance to within scant feet of the American forces. His timely and devastating attacks enabled the friendly unit to break contact and, under the able guidance of Captain Andrews, to move to a suitable landing zone where the waiting transport helicopters could effect their rescue. Simultaneously, Captain Andrews began to direct the placement of heavy ordnance carried by supporting fixed wing aircraft on the pursuing enemy. Time and again Captain Andrews flew through a hail of enemy fire in order to mark the enemy positions. For over three hours, Captain Andrews drew on all the resources available to him and combined them with his own relentless attacks, battered the enemy forces until the team was withdrawn. His calm, decisive actions were largely responsible for the safe evacuation of the beleaguered ground force and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.