The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 22 June 1966. On that date, Colonel Hopkins was the leader of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to destroy a vital and well-defended vehicle maintenance and storage complex located only one half mile from one of the largest industrial sites in North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather, heavy and intense anti-aircraft fire, and the presence of opposing aircraft, he led his flight to the total destruction of this target thereby seriously hampering the opposing forces’ ability to transport much needed troops and military supplies to South Vietnam. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Hopkins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 31 May 1966. On that date, Colonel Hopkins was the leader of a flight of F-105’s assigned to destroy an extremely vital and heavily defended military storage complex located on the main railroad line from Red China to Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and the ever present threat from several SA-2 missile installations, he led his flight to the total destruction of his assigned area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Hopkins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.