The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Larry Eugene Choplin (AFSN: 0-3163355), United States Air Force, for heroism while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force near Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. On that date, he drove a truck through heavy hostile automatic rifle, machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire to effect the rescue of combat aircrews that were besieged by hostile forces. He maneuvered his vehicle through burning trucks, battle debris, and hostile fire to successfully evacuate fourteen aircrew members, without regard for the great personal risk involved. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Lieutenant Choplin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.