Airman First Class Charles B. Aldean distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter near Phan Rang, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 May 1971. On that date, Airman Aldean’s outstanding airmanship and extensive technical skill, displayed under the extremely hazardous conditions of making  a pick up in a known hostile area, culminated in the rescue of a United States Army aircrew member from probable death or capture by hostile armed forces. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and despite the threat of hostile ground fire, Airman Aldean exposed himself on the open ramp of the helicopter to man his defensive gun position throughout the search for and rescue of the survivor. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Airman Aldean reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.