for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 May 1969, Corporal Peterson launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of three CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the mission of inserting a Marine reconnaissance team into an area near a suspected enemy base camp five miles southeast of An Hoa. After the first approach to the landing zone was aborted because of intense hostile ground fire and an alternate insertion site was selected, he ably provided a continuous flow of clearance information which enabled his aircraft to be maneuvered to a landing in an area covered with tall elephant grass and dense undergrowth. While the eight-man team was disembarking, it came under an extremely heavy volume of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and immediately began re-boarding the CH -46. When advised that all the Marines were aboard, Corporal Peterson informed his pilot who then lifted out of the fire-swept area. Sighting three reconnaissance team members still on the ground, Corporal Peterson immediately reported their location to his aircraft commander and calmly provided precise data which enabled his helicopter to land and embark the three men. As the CH-46 began to lift out of the dangerous area, one of the team members was struck by an enemy round and thrown from the ramp to the ground. Quickly informing his pilot of the situation, Corporal Peterson guided his aircraft to its third landing in the hazardous area. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ignored the hostile rounds impacting around him as he jumped from his aircraft and searched in the jungle terrain until he located the seriously wounded and unconscious Marine. Unable to carry the man through the dense undergrowth, he marked the man's position, returned to the CH-46, and enlisted the help of a reconnaissance team member to accompany him. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, Corporal Peterson and his comrade carried the injured man to the aircraft and placed him aboard. He then provided clearance data as his pilot lifted out of the hazardous area and proceeded to the medical facility at An Hoa. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Peterson was instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.