The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Thomas E. Bullard (ASN: US-53437703), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 116th Assault Helicopter Company, 269th Combat Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Specialist Four Bullard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 July 1967 while serving as crew chief of an assault helicopter supporting infantry operations deep in hostile territory. Shortly before noon, Specialist Bullard’s crew received an urgent request for emergency evacuation of two seriously wounded soldiers. The ground unit was heavily engaged when the helicopter arrived at the pickup site, and the ship was driven off by intensely savage fire after making a low level pass to locate the casualties. The wounded men were detected in a canal away from the main force, and the aircraft quickly returned and landed nearby. Although the helicopter was continuously raked by intense fire, Specialist Bullard leaped from the craft and dashed alone through a hail of bullets to reach the injured men. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist Bullard began carrying one of them to the aircraft. Under a curtain of bullets and flying shrapnel, he quickly placed the wounded man aboard. With bullets striking all around him, he sprinted back to the canal and swam across it to reach the second casualty. Using a lifesaving carry, he brought the victim back through the water and began moving him to the ship. The Viet Cong intensified their fire in an attempt to stop his valiant efforts, but he ignored this extreme hazard and loaded the patient aboard. He exposed himself to the enemy weapons during the takeoff to man a doorgun and fire furiously on the determined attackers. His unselfish actions at great risk to his own life saved the lives of two seriously wounded comrades. Specialist Four Bullard’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.