On June 19, 1968, during operations against enemy forces in North Vietnam, then-Lieutenant Junior Grade Clyde E. Lassen, a United States Navy pilot and aircraft commander attached to Helicopter Support Squadron 7, displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while attempting to rescue two downed aviators. Launched shortly after midnight in a search and rescue helicopter, he skillfully piloted over unknown and hostile terrain to a steep, tree-covered hill where the survivors had been located. Although enemy fire was directed at the helicopter, he first landed in a clear area near the base of the hill, but dense undergrowth prevented the survivors from reaching the aircraft. With flare illumination, he then hovered between two trees at the survivors’ position, but when the flares were exhausted the helicopter struck a tree and began a sharp descent. After expertly recovering the aircraft and maneuvering clear, he stayed in the area, encouraged the downed aviators, and waited for more illumination to continue the rescue. Following another unsuccessful illuminated attempt, and despite dangerously low fuel, significant damage to his aircraft, and continuing enemy opposition, he made another approach. When flare illumination was again lost, he turned on his landing lights, fully aware this would reveal his position, and completed the landing. The survivors reached the helicopter, and on the way to the coast he evaded additional hostile antiaircraft fire before landing safely aboard U.S.S. Jouett with fuel for only five minutes of flight remaining. Lassen was from Englewood, Florida, and received the Medal of Honor for these actions.