The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant James Andrew White, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an Aerial Gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 March 1967, Sergeant White launched aboard a CH-46A helicopter assigned to a Marine Reconnaissance Team insertion. The approach and landing in the zone were successfully completed, however, as the ramp was being lowered, the aircraft came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from the starboard side. In the initial burst of fire, the crew chief and six members of the team were seriously wounded and the aircraft was damaged. The mission was aborted and Sergeant White immediately left his position and, manning the crew chief’s machine gun, directed effective suppressive fire as the helicopter departed from the zone. Once airborne, he rapidly assessed the damage, discovering that a fuel line was ruptured and that fuel was pouring into the aft section of the aircraft creating a dangerous fire hazard. Displaying exceptional presence of mind, he instructed the team to move forward, assisted in removing a pack containing explosives and ammunition from a wounded Marine, hurled it out of the helicopter and then administered aid to the casualties. Upon returning to Nui Dang, the pilot was informed that the second half of the reconnaissance team had been inserted and required immediate extraction. Realizing the imminent danger, Sergeant White unhesitatingly volunteered to fly the mission as an extra gunner. Throughout the second approach and departure, he skillfully pinpointed the hostile positions and provided accurate suppressive fire for the extraction. His outstanding professionalism and aggressiveness were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. Sergeant White’s uncommon courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.