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 Captain (Field Artillery) James R. Sanders, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flights during the period 15 to 23 July 1960, as a member of the 8th Aviation Company (Infantry Division). As a pilot in the SEVENTH Army Aviation Detachment (Provisional), in support of United Nations operation in the Republic of Congo, Captain Sanders made daily flights into remote areas and evacuated refugees whose lives and safety were seriously threatened by lawless elements. His personal ingenuity, resourceful leadership, and outstanding technical skills were fully displayed by the many flights which he made over hazardous terrain with virtually no navigational aids other than relatively inaccurate roadmaps. Oftentimes completely ignoring dangerous fatigue, he flew many hours in excess of the flying-time limitation considered essential to safety. On 19 July 1960, Captain Sanders was assigned the mission of locating a downed Belgian aircraft and its pilot. He proceeded approximately 100 miles into hostile territory to the general area where the aircraft had fallen and, even though he was fired on upon arrival by hostile elements armed with automatic weapons and small arms, he displayed complete disregard for his own personal safety, and courageously continued the search. Despite the fact that the helicopter which he piloted has sustained eight hits, Captain Sanders terminated his efforts to locate the downed Belgian pilot only when forced by a critically low supply of fuel. Throughout this period he landed his aircraft at more than 12 different sites in the Matadi-Thysville area, frequently in the face of hostile elements on the ground. He was directly responsible for the rescue of approximately 40 persons. Captain Sanders heroic actions under extremely hazardous conditions are in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects credit upon himself and the military service.