Technical Sergeant David L. Paterson  distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pararescue Specialist of a HH-53C helicopter on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975.  On that date, Sergeant Paterson was a member of a helicopter crew which attempted to rescue fellow airmen from a downed aircraft. Despite constant hostile fire, a stable hover was maintained and only when it was determined that there were no fellow airmen to be rescued did the crew leave the area. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and its crew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Patterson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.