JAMES F. HOLLINGSWORTH, then Brigadier General, United States Army Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Brigadier General Hollingsworth distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action during the period 5 November 1966 to 8 November 1966 while serving as Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Infantry Division. On 5 November 1966, three Special Forces units attacked what unexpectedly turned out to be a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Within minutes, General Hollingsworth was airborne over the battle area in his command and control helicopter. To gain an accurate knowledge of the fluid ground situation, he had his pilot fly repeated low level passes over the insurgent positions. During these reconnaissance passes, while receiving intense hostile fire, General Hollingsworth formulated strategems for the maneuver of the ground units, ordered devastating air strikes and artillery barrages on the Viet Cong emplacements, and enable them to repel the numerically superior Viet Cong units. Immediately upon arriving at the scene, General Hollingsworth fearlessly moved about the area of conflict issuing directives, maintaining fire discipline, and encouraging the men to fight with renewed efforts. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continuously exposed himself to the concentrated Viet Cong fire to coordinate all facets of the battle. His masterful and unerring battle strategy accounted for one of the most significant victories in the current conflict. Brigadier General Hollingsworth’s extraordinary heroism and inspiring leadership were in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

View LTG Hollingsworth’s Distinguished Service Cross & Second Oak Leaf Cluster. LTG Hollingsworth resided in Texas.