Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 2 Line: 3

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

2nd Lieutenant Jim E. Moody, US Army, was assigned to the 197th Armed Helicopter Company, Republic of Vietnam (RVN), during August 1965. At that time the unit had gone through several changes in its unit designation. The unit was initially designated the Utility Tactical Transport (UTT) but this was changed to the 68th and then to the 197th. However, what did not change was the unit's unique position in the history of the US Army aviation. It was this unit that took the initiative to modify helicopters into weapons platforms. The 197th was the first armed helicopter company in the world.
During his first tour in Vietnam, Lt. Moody flew Bell UH-1 A, B and C model "Huey" gunships that were variously armed with 2.75 inch rockets, 40 mm grenade launchers, M-60 machine guns and there was one aircraft that was armed with a 50 caliber machine gun mounted in the cargo door. The 50 caliber mounted aircraft was principally used on "Firefly" flights during night search and destroy missions. "Firefly" was another innovation of the 197th.
He also participated in the evaluation of weapons systems including the use of flechet rockets, flying with night vision devices and mounting 2 0 mm cannons on helicopters.
On his second tour in the RVN Captain Moody was initially assigned to the 235th Aerial Weapons Company flying Bell AH-1 "Cobra" armed helicopters. Later he was reassigned to the 164th Aviation Group combat operations center and was responsible for coordinating all Army aviation in the RVN IV Corps.
Captain Moody was released from active duty in July 1969. During his military career among his military decorations he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with "V" device and 29 Oak Leaf Clusters.
After serving in the military Mr. Moody joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He retired as Deputy Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation Division, from the FBI in June 1996.