Sergeant James D. Locker distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Specialist on an HH-3E in Southeast Asia on 14 March 1968.  On that date, Sergeant Locker penetrated an extremely heavily defended hostile area to attempt the rescue of a downed pilot.  After one helicopter was disabled by intense hostile fire, Sergeant Locker made two attempts to rescue the downed pilot before his aircraft was hit by hostile fire.  After it was determined that the aircraft was not seriously damaged, Sergeant Locker returned to make another rescue attempt.  With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Locker persisted in the rescue attempt until his aircraft was heavily damaged by hostile fire.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Locker has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.