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 One (W-1) James L. Hurt, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, on 9 May 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Hurt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter on an extraction of wounded troops near Ben Het. With mortar fire into the extraction site intensifying, it was not until the third attempt that he was able to land in the area and evacuate wounded friendly troops. After flying back to Ben Het for medical aid, he brought his aircraft through the still persistent enemy fire for his fourth and final trip into the area to check for any remaining survivors. He held his aircraft in the landing zone while his door gunner checked over the bodies lying in the area. With the enemy fire threatening each lingering moment, Warrant Officer Hurt held his ship down until his gunner returned with the sold surviving soldier and then expertly lifted out and returned without further damage to his aircraft. 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.