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 Kraohoh, Cambodia, on 8 November 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 eight Vietnamese crewmembers whose H-34 helicopter had been shot down. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, and despite the threat of hostile ground fire, Airman Aldean exposed himself in the open door of the helicopter to man his defensive gun position and provide suppressive fire throughout the landing and recovery of all survivors. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Airman Aldean reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.