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 a Pilot 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.  On  the  afternoon of 23 July 1970,  First Lieutenant Jensen launched  as Section leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of a  Marine reconnaissance  team which had  sustained  two casualties while heavily engaged in combat with a North Vietnamese Army force in a  densely jungled  mountainous area northwest of  DaNang.   Arriving over  the designated  area, he  found  that heavy rain showers would  severely  restrict  visibility  and was informed  by  the Forward Air Controller (Airborne) that the beleaguered patrol was located at the base of some tall trees and was receiving hostile fire from all sides.  By skillfully coordinating his approach with the covering fire of supporting  gunships and a smoke screen laid down to conceal his helicopter,  First Lieutenant Jensen maneuvered to a hover approximately 100 feet above the pick-up site and resolutely remained in his precarious position while an extraction litter was lowered down through the canopy and the more seriously wounded  of the two Marines was secured in the litter.  Undaunted by the intensity of the enemy fire directed at his transport, he held his exposed position until the evacuee was hoisted aboard and then departed for the medical facility at DaNang.  Upon his return to the endangered Marines' position, First Lieutenant Jensen completely disregarded his own safety as he again coordinated his approach with  the rocket and strafing runs of supporting aircraft, boldly maneuvering to a hover above the patrol's position, and lowered an extraction ladder.   After the members of the reconnaissance team had  attached themselves and their  remaining wounded comrade to the ladder, First Lieutenant Jensen cautiously and skillfully lifted out of the dangerous area and  proceeded to  Landing Zone 401.   First Lieutenant Jensen's  courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."