The President of the United States  takes  pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS 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  the night  of  21 July 1969,  First Lieutenant Harris launched as  Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46  transport helicopters assigned  the emergency medical evacuation of five casualties from a Marine  unit which was heavily engaged in combat with  a hos- tile force eighteen miles southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he found that the small landing zone was surrounded by trees, contained numer- ous  bomb craters,  and was marked  only by a  flashing strobe  light.  When  his aircraft came  under intense enemy mortar, small arms,  and automatic weapons fire and was severely damaged as it landed in the confined zone, First Lieutenant Harris quickly directed his CH-46  out of the fire-swept area  and established  an orbit over the landing zone while his  crew chief assessed the damage.  Determin- ing that his  aircraft  was still  in operating condition,  and deeply concerned  for the wounded  Marines,  First Lieutenant Harris resolutely elected to continue the extraction attempt.  Undaunted  by  the heavy volume  of enemy  fire directed at his aircraft, he reentered the hazardous  area, executed  a landing, and  fearlessly remained  in  his  precarious  position  on the  ground  until  the casualties  were placed  aboard.   Despite  the extensive  damage  sustained  by  his  CH-46  from hostile fire,  he skillfully maneuvered out  of  the perilous area and proceeded to the hospital at DaNang.   First Lieutenant Harris'  courage, superior airmanship, and  unwavering  devotion to  duty  in  the face  of great  personal  danger  were instrumental  in accomplishing the  hazardous mission and were in  keeping with the  highest  traditions  of  the  Marine  Corps  and  of  the  United  States Naval Service."