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 as  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  15 April 1969, First Lieutenant Casciano launched  as Pilot of a transport  helicopter  assigned  the emergency medical evacuation of a critically wounded Marine from an area approximately  five miles northwest  of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province.  Arriv- ing over  the designated area, he  was informed by  his supporting  gunships that the  landing zone  was not secure and that  he could expect to  encounter intense hostile  fire  during the  evacuation mission.  As  First Lieutenant Casciano com- menced  his  approach  to the zone, his  aircraft came  under a heavy  volume of enemy automatic weapons fire.  Skillfully directing  the accurate  fire of his  men on  the enemy position,  he successfully landed  his helicopter and  boldly  main- tained   his  exposed  position  while  the  casualty  was  being  embarked.   First Lieutenant Casciano  then departed  the hazardous area and delivered the woun- ded  Marine  to  a  medical  facility.   His bold initiative  and superb  airmanship inspired  all who observed him and  contributed significantly to  the accomplish- ment of  the dangerous mission.   First Lieutenant Casciano's  courage,  superior aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the  face of great  personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous  mission  and  were  in  keeping  with  the  highest  traditions of  the  Marine Corps and  of  the United States Naval Service."