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 Warrant Officer (W-1) James T. Hattan, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 8 May 1969. Warrant Officer Hattan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander and flight leader of a UH-1H helicopter. His aircraft was to insert a friendly unit into a landing zone near Bau Het. His first sortie into the area was without incident. Upon leaving the area, his aircraft came under small arms and .50 caliber machinegun fire. He returned to the pick up zone, loaded his ship for a second trip, and returned immediately to insert them. He was again subjected to heavy enemy fire. The landing zone then came under mortar fire. Despite this, he continued into the landing zone again to unload his men and pick up members of the Pathfinders while his ship was exposed to hostile fire. 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.