The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
The DISTINGUISHING FLYING CROSS to
LT James C. Spillman, United States Navy
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION

For heroism while participating in aerial flight as the helicopter aircraft commander of a combat search and rescue helicoper attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, Detachment ONE ONE ZERO. On 17 May 1972, Lieutenant SPILLMAN was involved in the daring rescue of a downed A-7 CORSAIR pilot located in the area of Cap Mui Ron off the hostile coast of North Vietnam. While hovering over the survivor. Lieutenant SPILLMAN’s helicopter came under intense fire from nearby shore batteries. Despite numerous explosions in the immediate area, Lieutenant SPILLMAN steadfastly “held his position. As the artillery fire increased in intensity and accuracy, he maintained a calm, professional manner and refused to depart until the swimmer and survivor were attached to the rescue cable. Lieutenant SPILLMAN’s superb airmanship, devotion to duty, and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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