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 Staff Sergeant James Thomas Morley Pearson, III, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Loadmaster in Southeast Asia on 25 November 1969. On that date, Staff Sergeant Pearson overcame severe environmental hazards to successfully airdrop a combat team into territory controlled by unfriendly forces. He penetrated active hostile defenses, marginal weather conditions, and rugged mountainous terrain to deliver the team precisely on target. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Pearson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.