The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Randall D. Krekeler, Sr., United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE, Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 17 May 1970, First Lieutenant Krekeler launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of several casualties from a Marine unit which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in an area northeast of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he established an orbit while the supporting gunships executed low-altitude passes which drew enemy fire and disclosed the precise location of the hostile firing positions. Undaunted by the darkness and two hundred foot cloud cover which severely restricted visibility and the intensity of the enemy fire directed at his aircraft, First Lieutenant Krekeler commenced his approach to the landing zone but was forced to abort his landing when he encountered an extremely heavy volume of hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Skillfully coordinating his second approach with the rocket and strafing runs of the gunships, he completely disregarded his own safety as he again braved the enemy fire and boldly maneuvered to a landing. Although the Marines had to carry their wounded comrades some distance along a river bank in order to reach his aircraft, First Lieutenant Krekeler resolutely remained in his precarious position until all of the casualties were embarked and then departed the dangerous area for the medical facility at DaNang. First Lieutenant Krekeler’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 highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.