The  President  of the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS posthumously 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 operations against the  enemy  in  the  Republic  of  Vietnam.  Early on  the morning of 26 January 1969, First Lieutenant Sterling launched as Copilot aboard  the lead aircraft in a flight  of two CH-46 transport  helicopters assigned the emergency medical evac- uation of a seriously wounded Marine from an unsecure  landing zone southwest of  DaNang  in  Quang Nam Province.   Realizing  the  urgency  of extracting the injured man, First Lieutenant Sterling, undaunted by the total darkness, hazard- ous  mountain  terrain  and  threat  of hostile fire, resolutely  elected  to assist in attempting the evacuation.  As the helicopter approached the site,  First Lieuten- ant  Sterling  was monitoring  his radio for a briefing on  the tactical situation in the  landing zone when  his aircraft  was observed to  suddenly veer to  the right, and almost immediately,  there was a flash and an explosion  which fatally injur- ed all  the occupants.  Aware that  the CH-46 had crashed  into a  mountainside, the  wingman approached  the crash site to determine  the fate of  the  helicopter and its crew  and was forced  to abort his  approach due  to intense  enemy small arms  and automatic weapons  fire.  First Lieutenant Sterling's  courage, resolute determination  and  unwavering  devotion  to duty in a bold attempt to save  the life of a fellow Marine were in keeping with  the highest traditions of the  Marine Corps  and of  the  United States Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life in  the service of his country."