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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 to Captain James F. Collins, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Collins distinguished himself by heroic actions on 28 September 1969, while serving as a pilot with Company A, 25th Aviation Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam. When a call was monitored that a command and control helicopter was needed, Captain Collins immediately flew a battalion commander to the contact area. As Captain Collins made a low-level pass over the area, several enemy soldiers were spotted. Immediately, heavy artillery fire was directed on the enemy. When the artillery barrage failed to disperse the insurgents, Captain Collins flew his aircraft at treetop level and used his landing lights to expose the enemy to the guns on the aircraft. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Collins continued to fly at this dangerous altitude until ammunition ran out. Captain Collins then flew to a nearby patrol base and secured more ammunition to continue his low-level gun runs. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Captain Collins’ bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    March 14, 1969
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant James F. Collins, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. First Lieutenant Collins distinguished himself by heroic actions on 14 March 1969, while serving as a pilot with Company A, 25th Aviation Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam. When elements of the 14th Infantry came under an intense enemy attack, Lieutenant Collins immediately began to fly a reconnaissance mission over the contact area. Although under heavy hostile fire, Lieutenant Collins orbited over the area to help spot the enemy positions and call in supporting artillery fire. After the friendly ground troops requested an emergency medical and ammunition resupply, Lieutenant Collins made several landings in the battle area in order to supply the ground forces with the vital supplies. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the aggressor force. Lieutenant Collins’ personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.