The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant James Arthur Aiken (MCSN: 0-94085), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMA-214), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 March 1967, Second Lieutenant Aiken launched as the wingman of a flight of two A-4C aircraft assigned to support a reconnaissance team insertion. Because the previous insertions had encountered heavy enemy fire and the zone could accommodate only one helicopter at a time, it was assumed that the small landing area would be mined and covered by Viet Cong positions, and that an air strike was essential prior to the reconnaissance team’s insertion. Arriving over the target, the flight found the area overcast with a ceiling of 1,500 to 1,800 feet. Despite adverse weather conditions and extremely hazardous mountain terrain which presented unfavorable conditions for employment of A-4C aircraft in attack, the flight leader decided to proceed with the air strikes. Displaying superior professional skill, Second Lieutenant Aiken placed his ordnance on target with remarkable speed, accuracy and effectiveness, eliminating the danger of mines and booby traps in the landing zone. With complete disregard for his own safety he continued making runs with pinpoint accuracy until his ordnance was expended. As a result of his courageous and aggressive action the Viet Cong were routed and the camouflaged bunker overlooking the landing zone was destroyed, permitting the reconnaissance team to be successfully inserted. Second Lieutenant Aiken’s exceptional aeronautical skill, courageous action and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were an inspiration to all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.