The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the   AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star for the First 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 operations  against  the enemy in  the Republic of  Vietnam.  On  the  morning  of  17 December  1968,  Sergeant Herbin  launched as an  Aerial Gunner  aboard a  CH-46 transport  helicopter  assigned  to  insert elements  of  a  Marine  infantry battalion  into enemy controlled territory east of  An Hoa in Quang Nam Province.  Arriving over the designated area,  the aircraft commenced  its approach to  the landing zone and came under a heavy volume of hostile fire.  Undaunted  by the  intense  enemy  fire,  Sergeant Herbin  delivered suppressive .50 caliber  machine gun fire upon  the enemy emplacements, enabling his aircraft to land in the hazardous site,  debark its passengers, and depart  the  area.  During  four  additional  insertions of  the  Marine unit,  he continued  to effectively  employ his  weapon against  the enemy and was instrumental in  the successful accomplishment of the hazardous mission.  Sergeant  Herbin's  courage,  resolute  determination and stead- fast  devotion to  duty in  the face of  great personal  danger  inspired  all who observed him and  were in keeping with  the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.