The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain James L. Champlin, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Bong Son, Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam on 6 May 1966. On that date, in support of friendly ground troops who were pinned down by heavy fire from a battalion size hostile force, Captain Champlin made several low passes through intense anti-aircraft fire to harass and contain escaping hostile troops, pinpoint their positions, and relieve fire from the friendly forces. He then directed two tactical close air support sorties on these positions under heavy ground-to-air fire, killing fifteen hostile troops and regaining the offense that the United States forces needed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Champlin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.