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 Second Lieutenant (Armor) Jim E. Moody (ASN: 0-5322140), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight . Second Lieutenant Moody distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 August 1965 while serving as a pilot in the wing-ship of a light fire team supporting a search and destroy operation in the vicinity of Vi Thanh, Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Moody’s fire team, upon arriving in the operational area, was contacted by the U.S. senior advisor to escort troop lifts into the area. The Vietnamese unit had engaged the Viet Cong and heavy losses were inflicted on both sides. While escorting the troop lift helicopters into the specified landing zone, the flight came under intense automatic weapons fire. Disregarding the intense amount of fire and the numerous hits his aircraft had already received, Second Lieutenant Moody flew directly in front of the heliborne troop flight directing a constant stream of fire on the Viet Cong positions. During the course of action, Second Lieutenant Moody was contacted to provide close air support for besieged ground troops. Even though his aircraft had taken many hits, some being in vital systems, he went on firing passes directing intense fire on the hostile positions. Because of the close proximity of the ground troops to the Viet Cong positions and the great need for pin point accuracy, Second Lieutenant Moody waited until he was within one hundred and fifty meters before firing his rockets. After numerous firing passes he had to depart the area because of no armament with which to assist the ground troops and the heavy damage to his helicopter. The courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Moody were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Armor)Action Date:
August 17, 1965 – August 1, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to First Lieutenant (Armor) Jim E. Moody (ASN: 0-5322140), United States Army, for outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 17 August 1965 to 1 August 1966. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States’ mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound, judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and on the military service.
-
Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Armor) Jim E. Moody (ASN: 0-5322140), United States Army, for outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period August 1968 to July 1969 Captain Moody consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.