Martin E. Roepstorff

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Martin E. Roepstorff, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-3E Rescue Specialist in Southeast Asia on 6 March 1968. On that date, Sergeant Roepstorff volunteered to be lowered into an extremely hostile area to search for survivors of a downed helicopter. Additional personnel were inserted and after a brief search of the area the ground party encountered intense automatic weapons and rifle grenade fire. The ground party withdrew under fire to a suitable extraction position and Sergeant Roepstorff, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, provided covering fire with his M-16 while the other personnel were hoisted aboard the rescue helicopter. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Roepstorff has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.