The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

       CITATION:

              "For  heroic  achievement  while  serving  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 the morning of 14 April 1969, Corporal King  was serving as  an Aerial Gunner aboard a CH-46  transport  heli- copter  which had completed  the insertion of thirteen  Marines and  the extraction of nine others from an area seven miles  northwest of An Hoa when  his aircraft sustained serious  battle damage from hostile  fire and was  forced to land in a rice paddy.   Encountering  an  extremely  heavy volume  of  enemy fire as his  disabled helicopter  landed, he completely disregarded  his own  safety as  he  resolutely  remained  in  his  exposed position  and boldly delivered  covering machine gun fire while the crew and  passengers established a  defensive  perimeter.   Undaunted  by  the intensity of the enemy fire, Corporal King fearlessly manned his weapon and  effectively  delivered  such  accurate  suppressive  fire  that a rescue aircraft  was able  to safely land.   After providing  covering fire  for  the Marines  to  embark  on  the  other CH-46, he then boarded the aircraft and  departed the  hazardous area.  By  his courage, bold  initiative  and unwavering  devotion  to  duty  at  great  personal  risk,  Corporal King upheld  the  finest  traditions of  the  Marine Corps  and  of  the  United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.