Technical Sergeant Eugene L. Nardi distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Technician on an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter, near Tchepone, Laos, on 13 March 1971. On that date, Sergeant Nardi attempted the rescue of a wounded United States Navy pilot from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge that another helicopter had twice been driven off by ground fire, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Nardi exposed himself on the rescue hoist outside the helicopter to descend to help the wounded man on the ground, until withering ground fire crippled the helicopter and wounded four crew members, making continued rescue attempts impossible. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Nardi reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.