The  President  of the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, Gold Star in lieu of the third award 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 14  April 1969, Major  Cunningham  launched  as  Aircraft  Commander of a  CH-46  transport helicopter  assigned to  medically evacuate the crew  of another  transport which had  crashed  in a  heavily-wooded  area  approximately  twelve  miles  south  of DaNang in Quang Nam Province.   Despite the deteriorating  weather conditions and approaching darkness,  he decided to attempt the rescue and,  arriving  over the designated location, came under a heavy volume of enemy fire.   Alertly pin- pointing the hostile emplacement,  Major Cunningham directed  the suppressive fire of  his  crew,  thereby  temporarily  silencing the  enemy fire.   Establishing a steady  hover  close  to  the  burning  helicopter,  he ably  supervised  the  rescue operation,  which lasted  almost an hour.   With complete  disregard for  his own safety  and  the  ammunition  detonating  inside  the  downed   aircraft,   Major. Cunningham  resolutely  maintained   his  exposed  position  until  the  wounded Marines had been embarked.   His bold initiative and superb aeronautical ability inspired  all who observed him and contributed  significantly to the  accomplish- ment of his unit's mission.  Major Cunningham's courage,  aggressive leadership and  unswerving devotion  to duty in  the face of  great personal  danger were  in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."