DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS 1^ST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE)

APO San Francisco  96490

GENERAL ORDERS                                                         28 January 1968

NUMBER     568

AWARD OF THE DISTINGQUISHED FLYING CROSS

         1.    TC 320.   The following AWARD is announced.

HUDGINS, JAMES W. 05326087 (SSAN:    261-52-4797) FIRST LIEUTENANT TRANSPORTATION
CORPS  Company D, 227^th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter)

     Awarded:  Distinguished Flying Cross

     Date Action:  13 November 1967

     Theater:  Republic of Vietnam

     Reason:  For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary

              Action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

              First Lieutenant Hudgins distinguished himself by exceptionally valor-

              ous action on 13 November 1967, while serving as a fire team leader of

              an armed helicopter during a rescue operation near Que Son, Republic of

              Vietnam.  When his aircraft came under intense hostile fire, Lieutenant

              Hudgins immediately returned the fire and skillfully maneuvered his

              Helicopter between the lift ships and the enemy positions.  His air- 

              Craft received several hits, but he elected to continue with the flight.

              His action contributed greatly to the successful recover of the downed

              aircraft and injured crewmembers.  Lieutenant Hudgins' display of per-

              sonal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest tra-

              ditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself,

              his unit, and the United States Army.

     Authority:  By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of

                 Congress, approved 2 July 1926.

           FOR THE COMMANDER:

OFFICIAL:                                  GEORGE W. PUTNAM JR.

                                           COLONEL, GS

                                           Chief of Staff

     DONALD W. CONNELLY

     LTC, AGC

     Adjutant General

DISTRIBUTION

  2 AG-ASD

 10 AVDAAG-AD

  2 AVDAAG-OR

  1 GL

  2 ASARV, ATTN:  AVAGP-D

SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION