The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS posthumously to

for service as set forth in the following 

               CITATION:

                               "For heroism and extraordinary achievement  in aerial flight while serving as a  Pilot 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 8 June 1969, First Lieutenant Armenio launched  from  Marble  Mountain Air Facility  as  Aircraft Commander  of  a  CH-46  transport  helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation  of  four  seriously  wounded  Marines  from  an  area   southwest  of DaNang.   Arriving  over the  designated location,  he  observed that the landing zone was under small arms and automatic  weapons  fire  and  that  the  Marines were unable  to move  their  casualties  to  a more favorable area because hostile soldiers  held  tree  lines  on  two  sides  of  the  friendly unit.  Fully aware of the possible consequences  of his daring actions, but thinking only  of the welfare  of the  injured  men,   First  Lieutenant  Armenio  commenced  a  high-speed,  low- altitude approach to the landing zone through the enemy fire.   During  the  con- siderable  length  of  time required to  embark the wounded Marines, he ignored the rounds  impacting  around his  aircraft and resolutely maintained his vulner- able  position  until  assured  that all casualties were  aboard.  Displaying superb airmanship, he then expeditiously  departed the dangerous area, skillfully execu- ting  evasive  maneuvers  which  prevented  damage  to  his  helicopter or further injury  to  the  Marines.   His heroic and selfless deeds inspired all who observed him  and  were   instrumental  in  saving   the  lives  of   several  Marines.    First Lieutenant  Armenio's  courage,  superior  aeronautical  ability  and unwavering devotion to duty  at great personal  risk contributed significantly to the accomp- lishment  of the  vital mission  and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps an of the United States Naval Service."