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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Aldworth (MCSN: 0-29001), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander in command of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362) on 19 February 1966. Lieutenant Colonel Aldworth flew as the flight leader of a flight of forty UH-34D helicopters assigned the mission of airlifting a battalion sized unit into an unsecure zone occupied by insurgent communist guerrilla forces (Viet Cong), during Operation DOUBLE EAGLE. During the initial approach into the zone the helicopters encountered moderate to heavy enemy ground fire and extremely poor visibility resulting from smoke from repeated air attacks and a drifting smoke screen. By utilizing all of the skills at his command Lieutenant Colonel Aldworth was able to successfully lead the flight through the smoke shrouded valleys, and past the enemy ground fire into the objective area. His expert leadership and superior airmanship enabled the lift to be successfully completed in a minimum amount of time and without loss or injury to any of the aircraft or personnel. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty, and superior leadership were primary factors in the successful completion of this mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1965 – August 31, 1966

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel James Aldworth (MCSN: 0-29001), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing from 1 June 1965 to 31 August 1966.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1952
    Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 1505 (January 30, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major James Aldworth (MCSN: 0-29001), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea. On 18 September 1952, Major Aldworth led a flight of Marine jet fighters against a heavily defended railway bridge on an enemy main supply route between Sunch’on and Wonsan. Locating the objective in extremely mountainous terrain, he skillfully maneuvered his flight through a precipitous valley and initiated the attack through intense anti-aircraft fire. He scored direct hits with his bombs collapsing two main spans of the bridge and then directed the remaining elements of his flight in the complete destruction of the target. Major Aldworth’s outstanding accuracy in delivering his own bombing attack and his exemplary leadership in organizing and directing the flight were largely responsible for the success of a mission that seriously impaired the enemy’s rail transportation system. His courageous conduct, professional skill, and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.