The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                           "For  heroic achievement  in connection with  operations against  insurgent  communist  (Viet  Cong)  forces  in  the  Republic  of  Vietnam  while serving  with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine Aircraft Group 36,  First Marine  Aircraft Wing.   On the  afternoon  of 26 July 1968,  Corporal ALTAZAN launched as Crew Chief  aboard the second aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport  helicopters  assigned to  insert a  Marine  reconnaissance  team near Phu Bai in Thau Thien Province.  As  the lead  aircraft landed  in the desig- nated zone,  it came under a heavy volume of  hostile small arms and  automatic weapons fire and was forced to lift out of the fire-swept area. Upon learning that two  Marines were  still in the landing zone,  Corporal ALTAZAN's pilot unhesi- tatingly  landed his  helicopter in  the site,  despite  encountering  intense  enemy fire.   Alertly  observing   that  one  of   the  men  had  been  seriously  wounded, Corporal ALTAZAN  unhesitatingly left his position  of relative safety  and fear- lessly ran across the dangerous area to his injured comrade.  Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he rapidly carried the casualty aboard his helicopter and,  seizing  a  first aid kit,  skillfully  began  treating  his  wounds  as  the pilot rapidly maneuvered the aircraft to a nearby medical facility.   His heroic actions and sincere  concern for  the welfare  of his comrade  inspired  all  who observed him  and  were  instrumental  in  saving  the  life of a  fellow  Marine.   Corporal ALTAZAN's courage,  bold initiative and  steadfast devotion to duty  in the face of  great  personal  danger  were  in  keeping  with  th e highest  traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Corporal ALTAZAN is authorized to wear the Combat "V".