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 combat operations against the enemy in  the Republic of Vietnam.  On 28 January 1969, First  Lieutenant Rush  launched  as  Copilot  of  a  CH-46  transport  helicopter assigned  a mission of  inserting  three groups of Marines  into an area of Quang Nam  Province.  During  his initial approach  to  the  designated  zone,  he  came under  intense hostile automatic weapons fire  from a nearby tree line and, disre- garding  the  enemy  activity,  calmly  pointed  out  enemy  emplacements  to the gunners  as he closely monitored the gauges and  provided his  aircraft comman- der with  descriptive  commentary  which  enabled the  pilot  to  concentrate  his attention on  landing the helicopter.  During  the second insertion, despite  again being subjected to concentrated fire, he continued to aid  his pilot and direct the efforts  of  the aerial  gunners.  Returning  with  a third group  of Marines,  First Lieutenant Rush was at the controls and, when  his pilot was wounded by hostile fire, steadfastly  retained control of  the aircraft  during lift-off.  While  the  pilot was maneuvering away from  the dangerous  area, another round penetrated  the helicopter,  causing  severe  damage  to  the  transmission.  Aware  of  the  flying limitations thus  imposed, First Lieutenant Rush displayed superb airmanship as he furnished  altitudes and airspeeds,  thereby  enabling  the  pilot  to execute an emergency landingat  an  alternate  secure  location.   His  heroic  and  persistent efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the success of  the  mission.  First Lieutenant Rush's  courage,  superior aeronautical  ability and unwavering devotion to  duty in  the face  of grave personal danger  were  in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."