Master Sergeant Ronald R. Jeczala distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescueman in Southeast Asia on 5 December 1969.  On that date, Sergeant Jeczala voluntarily pursued the rescue of two downed American Airmen from one of the most heavily defended, hostile areas in Southeast Asia, even though three helicopters had been seriously damaged in previous attempts only a short time before.  During the rescue attempt his aircraft was struck by hostile fire and became engulfed in flames.  Realizing that to abandon his aircraft over such hostile territory would mean certain capture and probable death for his fellow crewmembers, Sergeant Jeczala maintained his position providing suppressive fire and working to extinguish the fire aboard the burning aircraft, enabling the critically damaged helicopter to return to safety, saving not only his own life but also those of his fellow crewmembers.  The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Jeczala reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.