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 with Combat “V” (Army Award) to Major James F. Wilkes (AFSN: FV-3080840), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight , evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Wilkes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 March 1968 as a forward air controller for the 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. The 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry was attacking a fortified hamlet near the city of Hue which had been seized by an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion. Subjecting himself to heavy enemy fire and hampered by poor weather, Major Wilkes made several low passes to determine the positions of the North Vietnamese. When fighter aircraft arrived he marked targets with pinpoint accuracy and again braved the communists’ barrage to assess the results of the air strikes. Through his precise guidance the strikes were exactly on target, enabling the ground unit to recapture the hamlet with over thirty enemy dead and numerous weapons left behind by the fleeing North Vietnamese. Major Wilkes’ outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Air Force.

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 James F. Wilkes (AFSN: FV-3080840), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Ap Co Thap, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 March 1968. On that date, Major Wilkes successfully directed tactical airpower against a large aggressor force which had surrounded and pinned down a friendly force. In spite of heavy fire directed at his aircraft by anti-aircraft locations, Major Wilkes remained above the hostile forces in his O-1E aircraft accurately pinpointing the action of the firing positions, thus enabling the friendly unit to take the offensive. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Wilkes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.