The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard A. Sperling (ASN: 0-5535948), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 155th Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Combat Aviation Battalion, 17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Sperling distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as aircraft commander of a helicopter assault mission near Duc Co. As the infantry was being inserted into a suspected enemy position, all ships in the lead elements came under heavy fire in the landing zone. Armed helicopters and bombers were called in but were unsuccessful in silencing the heavily fortified enemy positions. As Lieutenant Sperling’s element departed the landing zone, one of the helicopters received an intense burst of enemy automatic weapons fire which crippled it and caused it to crash. Despite advice not to land again because of the murderous insurgent fusillade, Lieutenant Sperling volunteered to attempt a rescue. He touched down in a small clearing one hundred and fifty meters from the wreckage, departed his aircraft, and plunged into the enemy-infested jungle. As he moved toward the downed crew, he was repeatedly subjected to insurgent sniper fire and mortar explosions. Braving the heavy barrage, he arrived at the burning aircraft and found that the enemy was rapidly closing on the crash site. Inspiring the downed crew members by his courage, Lieutenant Sperling led them back toward his waiting aircraft through a hail of bullets and shrapnel. He assisted them aboard the ship and flew out of the jungle clearing just as the enemy penetrated the surrounding treeline. Lieutenant Sperling’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.