The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Alan T. Robillard, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 2 November 1969. First Lieutenant Robillard launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency mission of extracting a seven-man Marine reconnaissance team which had discovered an enemy staging area and base camp five miles west of An Hoa and was heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army force. Arriving over the designated area as fixed-wing aircraft were completing air strikes, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the beleaguered Marines were surrounded by the enemy and under intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire directed at his helicopter, the adverse conditions of a low ceiling, gusty winds, and rain showers, and numerous explosions in the target area caused by the rocket and strafing runs of supporting gunships and OV-10 Bronco aircraft, First Lieutenant Robillard boldly entered the fire-swept area and skillfully maneuvered his CH-46 to a difficult landing with only its main mount resting on the edge of a narrow ridge line above a deep ravine. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained in his precarious position until the reconnaissance team had embarked and then departed for DaNang. First Lieutenant Robillard’s courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.