Jim’s extended family showing his 10 grandchildren.
Captain Duke receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Captain Jim Duke with his bird “Snake Doctor” Vietnam, 1970.
Excerpt From Article “Rescue of Saber 6” by Col Johnnie B. Hitt
Captain James (Jim) Duke (call sign-snake doctor) from Dallas, Texas and his maintenance crew always had one more helicopter available when the chips were down. They had the best maintenance record of any company in the Battalion. Even if 80% or 90% of the company’s fleet of 22 UH-1’s was committed, Rattler maintenance always had one more to fly and they could produce it immediately when a life was at stake.
Jim Duke and Johnnie Hitt had a special relationship that few people get a chance to experience and most hope they never do. While under intense enemy fire, Jim risked his life to land and rescued Johnnie and his crew after they were shot down and crashed in the rice paddies not too far from Chu Lai. When Jim called Johnnie or vice versa there was no questioning of what was being asked. There was an understanding you can have only when you have saved a fellow soldier’s life.
This short story is only an example of what went on daily in the 71st AHC. The dependence on the professionalism, bravery, and confidence of every member of the company was never questioned and never failed. Every soldier did their job and took care of each other. When someone was in trouble, he was never alone. Fellow Rattlers would be there.
– Bixby Historical Society On Line
Jim was awarded the Air Medal for Valor for his actions cited above.
