For gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Damron distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 16 September 1971, while serving as Gunner/Observer on an OH-6A Helicopter with D Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry. On that date, while on a visual reconnaissance mission in Quang Nam Province, Sergeant Damon’s helicopter was executing a low level run when it was suddenly engaged by a heavy barrage of hostile enemy fire. The pilot was critically wounded and the disabled aircraft crashed on a mountain side in dense jungle terrain. Although wounded himself, Sergeant Damron overcame the pain of his wounds, and set up security around the downed aircraft. Almost immediately he was alerted to the presence of enemy soldiers in the area. Two armed insurgents had come within s few meters of the downed craft. Sergeant Damron, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, exposed himself to the enemy, directing a devastating volume of fire against them. One of the insurgents was immediately silenced and the other evaded. Sergeant Damron then turned his attention to the wounded crew members. He applied splints to the Pilot’s broken legs and applied first aid to the remaining wounds. Sergeant Damron’s personal heroism professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23rd Infantry Division, and the United States Army.