Staff Sergeant Michael S. Perry distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Aircrew Member near Al Qaim, Iraq, on 22 January 1991.  On that date, while serving as combat control team member of an MH-53J helicopter, Sergeant Perry assisted in the aircraft’s deep, covert penetration into enemy airspace to attempt the rescue of a downed F-15E pilot and weapon systems operator.  Despite poor terrain definition and near moonless illumination, the aircrew skillfully evaded enemy surface-to-air threats through the use of extreme low-level altitude maneuvering and infrared and electronic countermeasures.  Once in the area of the survivors’ last reported position, the aircraft made repeated run-in attempts only to be driven back by massive antiaircraft artillery barrages.  The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Perry reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.