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 20 January 1969, First Lieutenant Sullivan launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter  assigned a  medical evacuation mission near  An Hoa in  Quang Nam Province.  Arriving  over the  designated  area,  he  immediately  realized  that  a hoist  extraction  would  be  necessary  due  to the  dense jungle  canopy.  As  he executed his approach,  the aircraft came under  intense enemy fire, forcing First Lieutenant Sullivan  to abandon  the attempt.  Completely  disregarding his own safety, he maneuvered twice more into position for the evacuation, only to abort the approach  due to the heavy volume of  hostile fire.  Returning to the hazard- ous area  after  refueling at An Hoa,  he fearlessly  directed  the CH-46  over  the wounded  Marine's  location and, seemingly  disregarding the fire directed at his helicopter, skillfully maintained  a hover  during the twenty minutes required for boarding  of the casualty.   His  heroic and  resolutely  determined  actions  were instrumental in saving the life of the injured Marine.  First Lieutenant Sullivan's courage,  superb  aeronautical  ability and steadfast  devotion  to  duty  at  great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."