Major James A. Scott,III gaind his Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism on 3 February 1968 as the team leader of an aerial fire team supporting ground operations in Dalat. At that time,the then Captain Scott was a member of the 1st Aviation Brigade. When the ground forces encountered heavy enemy fire which halted their advance, Captain Scott made repeated low-level passes over the battle area to pinpoint the insurgents’ positions. His aircraft was riddled by the fire directed at it, but he succeded in locating targets for his team and led it in an attack on the enemy emplacements. He then flew to a nearby airfield to rearm and refuel his craft. The field was under mortar attack, and Captain Scott had to replenish his ship amid a hail of shrapnel. As he once more orbited the city looking for trouble spots, his helicopter received enemy anti-aircraft fire and he was wounded. Captain Scott found the source of the fire and again led his team in the attack. As his aircraft broke away from the target, it was struck again by the murderous enemy fusillade and the tail rotor control cables were severed. Despit the tremedous handicap, Captain Scott skifully maneuvered his crippled ship into position for yet another attack on the enemy position. When he was unable to maintain positive control over his helicopter, he nursed it to the airfield once more and executed a successful emergency landing. Captain Scotts’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service reflecting great credit on him and the U.S. Army.

MAJ. Scott joined the Legion of Valor in 1974.