The  President of   the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star for the First Award) to

for service as set forth 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 11 January 1969, First  Lieutenant  Rush  launched  as  Copilot  aboard a  CH-46  transport  helicopter assigned  the emergency  medical evacuation of  two seriously wounded Marines from  a  patrol  operating  in  Quang Nam Province.   Forced  to abort  the  first
landing attempt because of  intense hostile fire,  First Lieutenant Rush  skillfully monitored his gauges and flight systems, directed his crew's suppressive machine gun fire,  and provided a continuous flow of vital information which enabled his aircraft to maneuver through an extremely heavy volume of enemy fire and land near the injured men.  Undaunted by  the hostile rounds impacting near his heli- copter, several of which struck his CH-46, he ably assisted his pilot in  remaining in their dangerously exposed position until  the evacuees were embarked.  Clear- ing his aircraft to depart  the fire-swept zone, he was notified shortly after lifting off that another Marine was critically wounded and  required immediate evacua- tion.  Resolutely concurring with  his aircraft commander's decision  to return to the  hazardous area,  he calmly monitored  his instruments and  equipment as he coordinated his third approach to the landing zone with air strikes.   Alertly pro- viding  essential  clearance  data,  he again  aided  in maneuvering  his helicopter through  intense enemy fire to land,  embark the injured Marine,  and depart for the  nearest medical facility.   First Lieutenant Rush's courage,  superior airman- ship  and unwavering devotion to duty at  great personal risk  were instrumental in saving  the lives of  three Marines and were in  keeping with the highest  tradi- tions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."