Technical Sergeant Patrick T. Harding distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pararescue Team Leader, 66^th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, near Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on 3 March 2002.  On that date, Sergeant Harding launched from alert status at a forward area rearming and refueling point, his skill and sense of urgency were instrumental in getting the aircraft airborne in 8 minutes for a 30-minute alert posture.  His aircraft flew through treacherous mountains containing numerous enemy positions and came under fire from anti-aircraft artillery as large as 23 millimeters.  He demonstrated exceptional situational and threat awareness as the aircraft neared the landing zone.  His immediate identification of enemy mortar fire aided the aircraft commander’s call for fire from close air support assets.  When Sergeant Harding’s aircraft made an approach to a landing zone misidentified by and AC-130, he was able to determine a small team in that area was not the correct ground party.  While on the ground his aircraft again came under fire, this time from mortars and rocket propelled grenades.  His aircraft rapidly departed the location, but encountered difficulty gaining flying airspeed due to the high-density altitude.  Eventually his aircraft was able to climb into an overhead cover position as the flight lead directed the formation wingman into the correct landing zone.  As the senior pararescueman in the formation on egress, he provided medical advice and explanations to the team working on the patient.  The formation was fuel critical and landed at a forward refueling point to refuel.  During the fueling process, he transferred the patient to the wing aircraft bringing blood with him.  The patient was pale & cold, and his blood pressure could not be measured.  Sergeant Harding executed a transfusion of blood to the patient.  This was the first transfusion of whole blood by a pararescueman under combat conditions since the Vietnam War.  During the flight to a friendly hospital, the patient’s condition rapidly improved under Sergeant Harding’s expert care.  Sergeant Harding’s bravery, medical knowledge, and rapid action in response to the patient’s condition assured the patient’s survival.  His professionalism resulted in a successful mission that saved three lives.  The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Harding reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.