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 Warrant Officer James F. Spiers, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, Warrant Officer Spiers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of the wing ship of a light fire team of UH-1C gunships on a mission near Vi Thanh. Entering the area of operation, the team became the target of intense automatic weapons and small arms fire. While the ground elements assaulted, he continually exposed himself to draw the enemy fire upon himself and allowed the ground units to continue their successful assault. The aircraft took several hits, but he continued to fly his ship, placing a deadly accurate and devastating hail of fire on the enemy. On several occasions Warrant Officer Spiers attacked .50 caliber and B-40 rocket positions, drawing the fire away from the lead ship and on to him. His daring courage and professional determination directly contributed to the success of the operation that resulted in 104 enemy dead. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.