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 Captain (Field Artillery) James Armitt Scott, III (ASN: 0-93930), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Scott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 October 1965 and 26 October 1965 while serving as pilot of an unarmed O-1F surveillance aircraft on a combat observation mission over Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. On 23 October 1965 Captain Scott was informed that a Vietnamese regiment was under heavy attack by a large Viet Cong force. He immediately flew over the area and became exposed to intense automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his personal safety, Captain Scott marked the hostile emplacement with smoke at low level to insure effective air attacks on the Viet Cong positions. During these low level passes his aircraft was repeatedly subjected to intense hostile fire. Captain Scott’s assistance was most instrumental in the effective withdrawal of the Vietnamese regiment. On 26 October 1965 Captain Scott again flew his aircraft to the same area in support of a surrounded Vietnamese force. Informed by the ground commander that the Viet Cong were rapidly closing on his position, Captain Scott directed the fighter aircraft, which were already in area, to within 50 meters of the friendly force. Again he made low level passes completely exposing himself to the deadly hostile fire to mark the Viet Cong positions with smoke. This enabled the armed aircraft to locate and destroy the Viet Cong positions and saved the Vietnamese force from being defeated. Captain Scott’s 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.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Batallion:
10th Combat Aviation BattalionRegiment:
17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
March 28 – 29, 1968
Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders 6399 (September 16, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) James Armitt Scott, III (ASN: 0-93930), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Captain Scott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as team leader of a light fire team and pilot of the lead gunship, in a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. Although his gunship was under intense enemy ground fire, he made several attacks on the insurgent positions. After destroying an enemy position, he placed his aircraft between a medical evacuation ship and enemy positions in order to draw the hostile fire. Having been informed the rescue ship would be unable to extract the wounded, he volunteered to land his heavily-laden gunship to perform the task. After performing a voluntary re-supply of ammunition, Captain Scott’s helicopter was struck by enemy fire and his co-pilot was seriously wounded. Throughout the day, his determination and exceptional courage kept the enemy at bay. Returning to the contact area on the following day, he made a daring low level search to locate the retreating enemy. After locating the insurgents, his close support to the ground troops was so great that they suffered no casualties. 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.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Batallion:
10th Combat Aviation BattalionRegiment:
17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
February 3, 1968
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3477 (July 19, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Field Artillery) James Armitt Scott, III (ASN: 0-93930), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 92d Assault Helicopter Company, 10th Combat Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Scott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 February 1968 as the team leader of an aerial fire team supporting ground operations in Dalat. The ground forces encountered heavy enemy fire which halted their advance, and Captain Scott made repeated low-level passes over the battle area to pinpoint the insurgents’ positions. His aircraft was riddled by the fire directed at it, but he succeeded in locating targets for his team and led it in an attack on the enemy emplacements. He then flew to a nearby airfield to rearm and refuel his craft. The field was under mortar attack, and Captain Scott had to replenish his ship amid a hail of shrapnel. As he once more orbited the city looking for trouble spots, his helicopter received enemy anti-aircraft fire and he was wounded. Captain Scott found the source of the fire and again led his team in the attack. As his aircraft broke away from the target, it was struck again by the murderous enemy fusillade and the tail rotor control cables were severed. Despite the tremendous handicap, Captain Scott skillfully maneuvered his crippled ship into position for yet another attack on the enemy position. When he was unable to maintain positive control over his helicopter, he nursed it to the airfield once more and executed a successful emergency landing. Captain Scott’s’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service reflecting great credit on him and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Field Artillery)Batallion:
10th Combat Aviation BattalionRegiment:
17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Field Artillery) James Armitt Scott, III (ASN: 0-93930), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.