Technical Sergeant Allen J. Avery distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Quang Tri City, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 April 1972.  On that date, Sergeant Avery was flying as a Pararescue Specialist of an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter that was attempting to rescue the survivors of a downed United States aircraft from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces.  Flying into a heavily defended area, the aircraft encountered severe ground hostile fire rendering the aircraft uncontrollable at an extremely low altitude.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Avery has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.