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

for service as set fort 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 17 March 1969,  First Lieutenant Donovan  launched as Pilot of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the  emergency medical  evacuation of nine  Marines from  an area  near Marble Mountain in Quang Nam Province.  Arriving over the friendly unit's position, he was  informed  UH-1E helicopter  gunships  were  needed  to suppress the enemy fire.   After the supporting gunships  arrived and  attacked  the  suspected enemy positions around the  landing  zone,  First Lieutenant Donovan  commenced  his approach and encountered an intense volume of hostile fire.   Skillfully directing the fire of his crew upon the enemy positions, he was instrumental in suppressing the hostile fire and subsequently successfully landed the aircraft.  Moments later, the landing zone came under a heavy volume of mortar fire and First Lieutenant Donovan was forced to depart.   Continuing  to direct  the suppressive fire of his crew  after the gunships  conducted additional strafing runs to the intense hostile fire, he landed his helicopter and, although dangerously exposed  to  the  intense hostile fire, resolutely maintained his position until the casualties were embarked before departing the area.  His bold initiative and superb airmanship inspired all who  observed him  and contributed  significantly  to the  accomplishment of the mission.   First Lieutenant Donovan's courage, superior aeronautical  ability and steadfast devotion to duty in  the face of  great  personal danger were  in keeping with  the highest  traditions  of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."