Presented to Chief Master Sergeant Dennis M. Richardson, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Flight Engineer on a Jolly Green HH-3E rescue helicopter during a combat search and rescue operation in Laos on 14 March 1968.On that date, Sgt. Richardson, fully exposed himself to enemy fire while in a doorway position, while twice attempting to recover a downed airman in a heavily defended hostile area. Holding hover during the first rescue attempt the helicopter came under heavy enemy fire. Suffering extreme battle damage, the helicopter proceeded to a nearby landing zone in order for Sgt. Richardson to assess the damage to the helicopter. Sgt. Richardson certified the helicopter airworthy and pressed the Aircraft Commander to resume the mission. On the second attempt to rescue the downed airman, again under heavy enemy fire, Sgt. Richardson was wounded. Without concern for his injuries, Sgt. Richardson once again exposed himself to enemy fire and, and hanging half way out of the helicopter door, lay down automatic weapons fire suppressing a large number of enemy combatants, some of whom were firing from as close as 15 feet away. As a direct result of his determination and aggressive response in the line of fire, Sgt. Richardson was able not only to save his helicopter, but the crew as well. Sgt. Richardson, with complete disregard for his personal safety, contributed immeasurably to the combat search and rescue operation. Sgt. Richardson's heroic actions secured the survival of his helicopter and his entire crew under ever increasing enemy fire.