The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, awards the Air Force Cross to Captain John B. McTasney for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 8 November 1967. On that date, after two helicopters had been shot down in rescue attempts, Captain McTasney attempted a night recovery of surrounded ground forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain McTasney established a hover on a steep slope while under intense hostile fire. He maintained this position and picked up three survivors before hostile fire severely damaged his helicopter, making it imperative that he depart the area. Captain McTasney, demonstrating a high degree of professional skill, proceeded to a forward base and landed safely despite the loss of one engine during descent. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain McTasney reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.