The President of   the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For heroism and extraordinary achievement  in aerial flight while  serving as a  Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in  connection  with opera- tions against the enemy in  the  Republic of Vietnam.  On 28 January 1969, First Lieutenant Kaiser  launched as  Aircraft Commander of a CH-46  transport heli- copter assigned a  mission  of  inserting  three  groups of Marines into an area of Quang Nam Province.   During  his  initial approach  to the  designated zone, he came under intensive hostile automatic weapons fire from a nearby tree line and, disregarding the enemy activity, fearlessly entered the zone and disembarked the men while simultaneously pointing out enemy placements to his gunners.  Retur- ning with a second group of Marines, he again became the target for concentrat- ed hostile fire and, concerned only for  the men on the ground to whom the rein- forcements were a vital necessity, steadfastly continued the mission.   During the third insertion,  four rounds penetrated his helicopter, one of them injuring First Lieutenant  Kaiser.  Ignoring his  painful wound,  he  resolutely  maintained  his dangerous exposed  position until  the men were disembarked,  then commenced departing  the  area.  As he lifted off,  another enemy  round penetrated  the air- craft,  severely  damaging  the  forward  transmission.   Displaying   outstanding airmanship,  he  skillfully  maneuvered  his  crippled  helicopter  to  the  nearest secure location and executed an emergency landing.   His  heroic  and persistent actions  inspired  all  who  observed  him  and  contributed  significantly  to  the accomplishment  of  the mission.   First  Lieutenant  Kaiser's  courage,  superior aeronautical  ability and  unwavering devotion to duty  in  the face of grave per- sonal  danger were  in keeping with  the highest traditions of the  Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.."