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 18 January 1969, First Lieutenant Sullivan  launched  as  Aircraft  Commander  aboard  a  CH-46 transport  helicopter assigned the  mission of evacuating two  seriously wounded Marines.  Skillfully  locating  the  designated  area despite  adverse  weather con- ditions and resulting poor visibility,  he effected a rendezvous with  the  support- ing  helicopter  gunship and commenced his first approach to the landing  zone.  Forced to abort the attempt due to the  extremely intense hostile  fire, he  alertly located  the enemy positions, and when two observation aircraft arrived, he ably directed their rocket rounds at the hostile target.  When Fist Lieutenant Sullivan was  cleared into the zone and  was executing his  second approach,  his  aircraft again came  under intense small  arms and automatic  weapons fire.   With com- plete  disregard for  his own  safety,  he continued his efforts until he had landed the aircraft and embarked the  two wounded men.  While en route to the nearest medical  facility,  he was  informed  that there  was  another  emergency  medical evacuation nearby.  Aware  that  he  had  only enough fuel  for  one attempt and that his helicopter would doubtlessly again come under enemy fire, he  fearlessly maneuvered  his  aircraft  into the zone and  skillfully  accomplished  the second medical  evacuation  despite   hostile  ground  fire.    First  Lieutenant  Sullivan's courage, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great  personal danger were instrumental  in saving the lives of three wounded Marines  and were in keeping  with the  highest  traditions of  the  Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."