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 Major James D. Elmer, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130-E Navigator at Cao Lanh drop zone, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 December 1969. On that date, Major Elmer and his crew successfully extracted 70,000 pounds of urgently needed combat supplies utilizing the Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System. Major Elmer expertly planned the route of flight through extremely mountainous terrain and reported hostile fire areas. He then led the mission to the drop zone in spite of poor weather and visibility. Through Major Elmer’s efforts, the aircraft arrived within four seconds of their scheduled arrival times enabling ground personnel to successfully recover the supplies without loss or casualty. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Elmer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.