The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Eugene L. Nardi, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 February 1971. On that date, as a Pararescue Technician on an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, Sergeant Nardi’s efforts culminated in the rescue of two United States Air Force aircrewmen from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge of the extent of hostile fire in the area and complete disregard for his own safety, and despite the helicopter’s receiving numerous hits by ground fire, Sergeant Nardi exposed himself to the hostile fire throughout the rescue effort to provide suppressive fire, preventing much greater damage to the helicopter, and insuring the safe rescue of the downed airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Nardi has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.