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  6 March 1969, First Lieutenant Larue  launched as Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters  assigned to  insert one reconnaissance team into the Elephant Valley area and extract another team.  The replacement team  was aboard the  lead  air- craft  and  both transport helicopters  were  being escorted  by two  UH-1E  gun- ships.  As  the  lead  aircraft approached the zone,  it came under  intense hostile automatic  weapons fire and was  struck several times.   Due to  the tactical  situ- ation  on the ground,  the Section Leader waved off.  Realizing that the team on the  ground  was  surrounded  by  the  enemy,  and  would require an emergency extraction,  First  Lieutenant Larue  unhesitatingly  volunteered  to  attempt  the extraction, although the zone was unsuitable for  helicopter landing.   With com- plete  disregard  for his own safety,  he skillfully  maneuvered  his aircraft  into a hover close to the ground, and ignoring the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at  his  helicopter,   he  steadfastly  held  his  dangerous  position  until  all  eight Marines  were  safely aboard,  then departed the hazardous area while still under enemy  fire.  As a  result of his  resolute determination and superior airmanship, the  team members were successfully transported to their base.   First Lieutenant Larue's courage, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering 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."