Staff Sergeant John H. Stemple distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Specialist on an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 8 November 1967.  On that date, Sergeant Stemple attempted the night recovery of surrounded ground forces after two helicopters had been shot down on previous attempts.  With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Stemple exposed himself to intense, accurate hostile fire to direct and assist survivors into the helicopter.  After the survivors were on board, he returned hostile fire with an M-60 machine gun.  By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Stemple has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.