The  President  of  the United States takes pleasure  in  presenting  the   AIR MEDAL (Gold Star in lieu of the Second Award) to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For heroic achievement  in aerial  flight while  serving  with Marine  Medium  Helicopter  Squadron  364,   Marine  Aircraft  Group  Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing   in connection  with  combat operations  against  the enemy  in   the  Republic  of  Vietnam.  On  17  December  1968,   Sgt.  Clemons launched as an Aerial Gunner aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned  the mission of  inserting a Marine infantry unit into an area  near An Hoa  in Quang Nam Province.  A total of  five landings were necessary to complete  the mission, and during each of  these, Sergeant Clemons delivered  accurate suppressive  fire at hostile  emplacements.  Seemingly ignoring  the intense enemy fire  directed at his aircraft, he  continued to pinpoint  hostile positions and  deliver fire with  his .50 caliber  machine  gun  until  the  helicopter was safely  out of  the  hazardous area.   Sergeant  Clemons' courage, superb  professionalism and  steadfast devo- tion to duty earned  the  respect of  all  who observed him and  were  in  keeping with  the  highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of  the United States Naval Service."