The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting  a Gold Star in lieu of the second  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  the evening of 8 April 1969,  First Lieutenant Rush launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46  transport  helicopter assigned  the emergency medical evacuation of  two casual- ties from a Marine company which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in a jungled,  mountainous area  nine miles southwest of DaNang.  Despite extremely  adverse weather conditions,  he skillfully navigated to  the designated area and found that heavy rain showers, dense fog, and a ceiling of only 100 feet above the landing zone  would severely restrict visibility and his area of maneuv- erability.  Undaunted by  the hazards of maneuvering his aircraft in the darkness over  the  rugged  terrain  while  under  the  constant  threat  of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Rush utilized his radar altimeter and,  guided by M-79 flares fired by the  ground unit, expertly executed a landing with his aircraft's rear main wheels on  the edge of abomb crater and  the nose  wheel suspended above  the ground. Although his rotor  blades were nearly touching  the surrounding trees,  he reso- lutely remained in  his precarious position until  the two wounded  Marines were placed  aboard,  and  then  departed for  the  medical  facility  at DaNang.   First Lieutenant Rush'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."