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 Sergeant Raymond F. Waite, 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 Troop D, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Waite distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 April 1972 while serving as gunner for a Light Observation Helicopter, involved in rescue operations of besieged friendly forces near An Loc, Republic of Vietnam. The small friendly element was surrounded by a battalion-size enemy force augmented with anti-aircraft weapons that claimed one man’s life the day before. As the helicopter in which he was flying approached the friendly element, American gunships began putting suppressive fire onto the enemy machine-gun and anti-aircraft positions. Despite the firepower massed against them, the enemy continued to direct intensive fire at the rescue ship. Upon reaching the friendly position, Sergeant Waite dismounted the aircraft to assist a wounded American advisor aboard, even though the enemy was directing intensive machine-gun fire at their position. After returning to the aircraft, he provided the only secure grasp to keep another American advisor, who was precariously hanging outside the aircraft, from falling to his death during the arduous low-level flight to a safe area following the extraction. Even though it took numerous hits, his aircraft carried 3 American advisors and 4 ARVN personnel to safety. Sergeant Waite’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.