The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) James P. Owens, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 21 June 1970 while serving as a pilot with Aviation Section, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Troop L was suddenly engaged by an estimate North Vietnamese company utilizing mortar, rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire. Warrant Officer Owens realized the urgency of the situation and quickly proceeded to the contact area. Despite the intense enemy ground fire and the fact that both door machineguns were inoperative, Warrant Officer Owens landed near the injured soldiers and, without hesitation, loaded them aboard the helicopter. As he took off, his craft again came under enemy ground fire, seriously disabling the helicopter. With expert flying ability, Warrant Officer Owens maintained control and successfully extracted the craft out of the area. Warrant Officers Owens’ 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.

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 (WO-1) James P. Owens, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 21 May 1970 while serving as a pilot with Aviation Section, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, as Troop L was being engaged by an estimated company of North Vietnamese, Warrant Officer Owes was flying overhead in his helicopter. Despite the intense enemy fire directed at him, Warrant Officer Owens made several high speed passes, twisting and maneuvering from the intense antiaircraft fire as his door gunners fired upon the enemy positions. Due to his professional and expert flying ability, contact was soon broken and the enemy force was completely routed. Warrant Officer Owens’ 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.