Sergeant Stephen V. Samo distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia near DaNang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 May 1970.  On that date, Sergeant Samo's exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under extremely hazardous conditions, culminated in the successful rescue of a downed United States Air Force pilot. Deploying into the water, Sergeant Samo quickly freed the survivor from his entangling parachute, checked him for injuries, assisted him onto the hoisting device, and accompanied him up into the helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Samo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.