UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS---------------- HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC--------------------- ---------------------FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

               The  President of the United States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS 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 164,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection  with operations against insur- gent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 10 May 1967, First Lieutenant ROOTS launched as Copilot in the  lead aircraft of a section  of two CH-46 helicopters on  an emergency extrac- tion  mission in  support of  a Marine  reconnaissance  team  which  was  heavily engaged  with  a  numerically  superior  enemy  force  west of  Khe  Sanh.  Upon arrival  over the  beleaguered team,  he was  informed that a prior attempt to ex- tract  the  team  was  aborted  due  to  enemy  fire  which  inflicted  heavy  battle damage  to the  aircraft.  During  the approach  into the  zone,  his aircraft came under  intense enemy ground fire and  received several hits  which  wounded  the pilot,  crew  chief  and  a  corpsman.   Displaying  exemplary  airmanship,   First Lieutenant  ROOTS  unhesitatingly  assumed  control  of  the  aircraft, skillfully maneuvered  his  damaged  helicopter  away from the hazardous  area  and  pro- ceeded  to  the  Khe  Sanh  Airfield  where  he  disembarked  the  wounded  crew members.  His  timely  actions and  professional  skill  were  an inspiration to all who  served  with him  and  undoubtedly  prevented  the loss of the aircraft  and further injury to  the crew.  First Lieutenant ROOTS'  bold courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and selfless devotion to duty  in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping  with the highest  traditions of the  Marine Corps and  of the United States Naval Service."