Airman First Class Douglas L. Horka distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Specialist in Southeast Asia on 8 December 1968.  On that date, after two helicopters had been damaged and driven off in rescue attempts, Airman Horka deliberately exposed himself in the open doorway of his helicopter in an effort to rescue a downed Air Force pilot.  While under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, during which his aircraft received numerous hits, he steadfastly maintained his vulnerable position providing suppressive fire for his hovering helicopter.  When the aircraft machine gun jammed as his damaged aircraft was forced to withdraw, Airman Horka, disregarding his personal safety, continued to return the fire with a hand held weapon until a safe egress had been accomplished.  The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Airman Horka reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.