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 (Medical Service Corps) James A. Eberwine (ASN: 0-88667), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight . Major Eberwine distinguished himself by heroic action on 27 October 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as Pilot of an aeromedical evacuation helicopter, when severe enemy contact was made during an airmobile operation resulting in the need for the immediate evacuation of many seriously wounded ARVN soldiers. Major Eberwine piloted his helicopter in a high performance, low level field approach to the smoke marked patient pickup site, terminating with a left pedal flare placing the tail of his aircraft to the enemy fire. While mortar rounds exploded around the aircraft, he skillfully hovered the aircraft in the water and monitored the engine instruments while supervising the patient loading. With the patients safely on board, Major Eberwine performed a high performance, low level departure to medical facilities at Soc Trang. Major Eberwine returned to the area three more times, skillfully piloting his Dustoff aircraft in high performance, low level approaches into the same pickup site, although each time it was enveloped in small arms and mortar explosions. Major Eberwine’s exemplary flying judgment, daring courage, devotion to duty, and determination under fire resulted in the successful evacuation of twenty-seven seriously wounded soldiers to medical facilities at Soc Trang. His heroic 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.