Richard LeBrou Whitesides, Captain, U. S. Air Force: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an Advisor-Pilot of an L-19 aircraft on 24 November 1963. On that date, while piloting his unprotected aircraft, Captain Whitesides directed strikes time after time against heavily defended Viet Cong positions. Despite their clever attempts at camouflage, he was able to pinpoint numerous Viet Cong positions and marked them for destruction. Even after his aircraft was partially disabled, Captain Whitesides remained in the area, and clearly pointed out the Viet Cong gun emplacements which led to their destruction by cover aircraft. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile fire, Captain Whitesides reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.