The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting to Lieutenant Jack Columbus Rittichier (CGSN: 0-68068148), United States Coast Guard, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight on the afternoon of 29 November 1966 as copilot of a Coast Guard helicopter, engaged in the transfer of eight crewmen from the grounded West German Motor NORDMEER to the USCGC MACKINAW (WAGB 83). Despite heavy snow, icing, turbulence and gale force winds, Lieutenant RITTICHIER skillfully assisted in navigating the helicopter 150 miles to the vicinity of the distressed vessel grounded on Thunder Bay Island Shoal in Lake Huron. The final 80 miles of the route was flown through snow showers at 200 feet over the lake utilizing the shoreline for navigation. Upon arrival he assisted in locating the vessel and establishing communications with the crew who advised that they were stranded on the forward deck, with no power or heat and desired immediate removal. Lieutenant Rittichier aided the pilot in maneuvering the helicopter and accomplishing the hoist of the eight crewmen from the NORDMEER to the decks of the MACKINAW in less than 22 minutes. Minutes after the operation was completed, the NORDMEER broke athwartships and her decks became awash. Lieutenant Rittichier displayed expert airmanship throughout this perilous mission. His initiative, skill, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Jack Columbus Rittichier (CGSN: 0-68068148), United States Coast Guard, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight on 4 May 1968 while attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, United States Air Force. Lieutenant Rittichier distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 4 May 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Rittichier entered the A Shau Valley, heavily defended by hostile forces and numerous antiaircraft sites, and landed at a bomb cratered landing zone to prepare two downed helicopters for aerial recovery out of the hostile area. Lieutenant Rittichier then on-loaded a crew, complete with all personnel equipment, and all portable aircraft equipment, and departed the landing zone littered with unexploded bombs and mines, for recovery to Da Nang Air Base. The professional skill and airmanship displayed by Lieutenant Rittichier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second and Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third and Fourth award of the Air Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Jack Columbus Rittichier (CGSN: 0-68068148), United States Coast Guard, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight while attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, United States Air Force. Lieutenant Rittichier distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as a combat crew member in Southeast Asia from 10 April 1968 to 9 June 1968. During this period, Lieutenant Rittichier participated superbly in accomplishing highly intricate missions to support Free World Forces that were combating aggression. The energetic application of his knowledge and skill were significant factors that contributed greatly to furthering United States goals in Southeast Asia. The professional ability and outstanding aerial accomplishments of Lieutenant Rittichier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.