The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) James T. Luscinski, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 158th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) (Airmobile), 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 July 1969. Captain Luscinski distinguished himself while serving as Pilot and Gunner of an AH-1G attack helicopter engaged in a combat extraction near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Luscinski made a hazardous low level flight through cloud-covered mountains. At the extraction site he placed deadly and accurate minigun and forty millimeter grenade fire on the enemy positions to protect the extraction aircraft. Although hampered by deteriorating weather, intense enemy automatic weapons fire and impending darkness, Captain Luscinski continued to fire. When his fuel ran dangerously low, he flew to the nearest base. His courageous actions were directly responsible for the successful completion of the mission. Captain Luscinski’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.