The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Louis James Rochat, III, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop E, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Warrant Officer Rochat distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 17 October 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. When an observation helicopter was forced by enemy fire to land in hostile territory, Warrant Officer Rochat immediately went to the aid of the downed crew. After heavy suppressive fire from his aircraft had repelled the first enemy assault, Warrant Officer Rochat’s aircraft landed in the crash site and he ran through a hail of enemy fire to the damaged airship. He then, with complete disregard for his own safety, carried the wounded pilot back to his aircraft. Despite a heavy barrage of hostile fire, Warrant Officer Rochat returned to the remaining crew members of the downed aircraft and courageously flew the damaged helicopter to safety. His gallantry in action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.