Sergeant Robert L. LaPointe distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Specialist in an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter near DaNang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 August 1972. On that date, Sergeant LaPointe’s outstanding airmanship and sound judgment, displayed under hazardous conditions, culminated in the rescue of two United States Air Force aircrew members from the South China Sea. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty by Sergeant LaPointe reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.