Staff Sergeant Arthur Cormier distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue Technician aboard a rescue helicopter over North Vietnam on 6 November 1965.  On that date, Sergeant Cormier voluntarily participated in a mission to recover a USAF pilot shot down over a hostile area known to contain numerous concentrations of antiaircraft batteries which would endanger any rescue efforts.  As his unarmed aircraft approached the recovery area, it encountered heavy ground fire and burst into flames, forcing the crew to bail out.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Cormier has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.