The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) James R. Kreutz (ASN: W-3157351), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 September 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Kreutz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting a UH-1C armed helicopter during a mission to give aerial fire support to a long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force near An Khe. Even though his aircraft was under constant hostile fire, he made pass after pass, raking the enemy positions with deadly accurate fire from his mini-guns. His covering fire allowed the reconnaissance patrol to move to a defendable position. Although his aircraft had received numerous hits, he remained on station giving protective fire to the distraught team members. Only when his ammunition was expended did he desist. Chief Warrant Officer Kreutz’s courage under fire contributed immeasurably to saving the reconnaissance team from certain annihilation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.