Technical Sergeant John R. Carlson distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 27 December 1972.  On that date, Sergeant Carlson, a Pararescue Technician on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily flew into a highly hostile area to attempt the rescue of a downed American airman. Utilizing a handleld automatic weapon when his minigun malfunctioned, Sergeant Carlson deliberately stood in the open to defend his hovering helicopter against groundfire so that a position above the survivor could be maintained. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Carlson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.