Captain James H. Brahney distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as rescue crew commander in Vinh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 August 1967. On that date, Captain Brahney piloted his HH-43F helicopter into known hostile fire in the rescue recovery of two United States Navy men from a small island in the Song Hau Giang River. Landing in a small clearing surrounded by dense foliage Captain Brahney maintained his position, despite the continuous ground fire, while the injured men were loaded into the helicopter. Because of his action the lives of two men were saved. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Brahney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.