For extraordinary heroism on 21 June 1966 as pilot of a jet fighter aircraft in Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN, embarked in USS HANCOCK (CVA-19). Although his aircraft was critically low on fuel and had already been severely damaged by hostile antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vampatella, upon learning that two of his squadron mates were being attacked by four North Vietnamese MIG-17 jet fighters, reversed his course and returned deep into enemy territory to render assistance. Engaging two of the MIG fighters in low-altitude, aerial combat, he succeeded in maneuvering his crippled aircraft into position to fire a missile and shoot down one of the enemy fighters. Only then did he disengage from the aerial battle and proceed to the coast, arriving with less than five minutes of fuel remaining. After skillfully and calmly executing an in-flight refueling from a waiting aerial tanker, he returned his crippled fighter to the HANCOCK. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vampatella’s superb airmanship, outstanding courage, and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of enemy antiaircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.