Sergeant Douglas L. Horka distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Pararescue Specialist in Southeast Asia on 22 April 1970. On that date, Sergeant Horka, a crewmember aboard a rescue helicopter, successfully rescued an American airman who had been downed deep in heavily defended hostile territory. Although escort aircraft were not available to provide protection for the vulnerable helicopter, Sergeant Horka elected to proceed with the rescue attempt. Without regard for his safety or the threat of hostile fire, he remained at his exposed position to vector the aircraft to a precise hover above the airman and continued to keep the aircraft commander advised of essential rotor clearance until the recovery was successfully completed. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Horka reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.