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 Captain Frank Cardile (AFSN: FR-7077), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an HH-3E Pilot of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Aerospace and Recovery Group, SEVENTH Air Force, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 March 1968. On that date, Captain Cardile flew over hostile territory in low overcast weather to reach the survivors from six downed United States helicopters. Forced by opposing fire to abandon his first approach, he persisted in the rescue attempt, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, until the most severely wounded survivors were rescued. Only then did fuel shortage, aircraft malfunctions, and the critical wounds of the survivors compel him to leave the rescue site. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Cardile has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.