Colonel James D. Elmer

Description:

Colonel Elmer, North Little Rock, U.S. Air Force, Viet Nam. Awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters. During his 30-year career COL Elmer had over 9,000 flying hours and over 860 of those flying hours were combat time in Southeast Asia.

Major Elmer’s Distinguished Flying Cross narrative reads as follows: “Major James D Elmer distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130A navigator at Cao Lanh Drop Zone Republic of Vietnam on 22nd December 1969. On that date, Major Elmer and his crew successfully extracted 70000 pound of urgently needed combat supplies utilizing the low altitude parachute extraction system. Major Elmer expertly planted the route of flight through extremely mountainous terrain and reported hostile fire areas. He then led the mission to the Drop Zone in spite of poor weather and visibility. Through Major Elmer's efforts the aircraft arrive within 4 seconds of their scheduled arrival times enabling ground Personnel to successfully recover the flies without Weiser candy. The professional competence, aerial skill, and Devotion to duty display by Major Elmer reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

More Info:

Colonel Elmer, North Little Rock, U.S. Air Force, Viet Nam. Awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters. During his 30-year career COL Elmer had over 9,000 flying hours and over 860 of those flying hours were combat time in Southeast Asia.