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 Major James Arlen Clements (AFSN: FV-3021015), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 8 October 1967. On that date, Major Clements was a member of the lead flight of a strike force executed against a high priority military target. Despite marginal weather conditions and while under withering fire from hostile forces Major Clements pressed his attack to the optimum and delivered his ordnance precisely on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Clements reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.