The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Staff Sergeant Eugene L. Clay, who distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-3E Flight Engineer in Southeast Asia on 9 November 1967. On that date, Sergeant Clay attempted the night extraction of a ground reconnaissance team after his helicopter had been severely damaged. Two other helicopters had been shot down and a third extensively damaged in previous attempts. During the rescue attempt, Sergeant Clay unhesitatingly exposed himself to hostile fire to assist the survivors to the aircraft. The hostile forces closed in quickly, and as the damaged helicopter departed, it was shot down. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Staff Sergeant Clay reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.