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.