The  President  of  the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

                              "For heroism  and extraordinary achievement  in aerial flight while  serving with  Marine  Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine  Aircraft Group  Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in connection with  combat  opera- tions against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 27 July 1970, Sergeant Allen launched as Crew Chief aboard  the lead aircraft  in a flight of two CH-46 transport  helicopters assigned the emergency  ladder extraction of a  Marine reconnaissance team  which had sustained two casualties while heavily engaged in combat  with a hostile force  in a densely-jungled  mountainous  area south of DaNang.  Arriving over the designated area following the completion of fixed wing air strikes, he was informed that the beleaguered patrol was located in a small ravine surrounded by tall trees. Undaunted by the intensity of the enemy automatic  weapons  fire  directed at his  aircraft, Sergeant Allen  ably  provided clearance information which enabled his helicopter to be maneuvered to a hover above a small opening in the dense jungle canopy.  While attempting to have the ramp lowered, which had  become inoperative from the cockpit controls, he sud- denly  had his communications with  the pilot over the  communications systems temporarily cut.  When his attention was diverted from providing clearance data in order to restore communications and regain control of the ramp, his aircraft's aft  rotor  blade  struck a tree, temporarily causing  intense vibration.   After  his transport stopped vibrating and returned to a normal hover, Sergeant Allen rea- ssured  his pilot of the  conditions aft and  then continued  to extend  the  ladder until  it  became  entangled  in  the  trees  beyond  the  reach  of  the  men on the ground.   With complete disregard for his own safety, he  ignored the hostile fire as he  leaned out over the ramp and remained in  his dangerously exposed  posi- tion  while  directing the  pilot to maneuver backwards  until  the ladder  became untangled  and was  lowered to the  ground.  When the reconnaissance team had attached itself securely to the ladder, Sergeant Allen informed the pilot and then provided precise clearance information as his aircraft lifted out of the dangerous area and proceeded to  Landing Zone Ross where the Marines were safely lower- ed  to  the  ground.  Sergeant Allen's courage, superior professionalism,  and un- wavering devotion to duty in the face of grave  personal danger were  instrumen- tal  in  accomplishing  the  hazardous  mission  and  were  in   keeping  with   the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."