The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the AIR MEDAL with GOLD STARS in lieu of the second through seventeenth AIR MEDAL posthumously to

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a designated Naval Aviator in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363 during combat missions in support of the Republic of Vietnam from 15 September 1966 to 12 May 1967. Completing numerous missions during this period, while often exposed to hostile fire at close range, Captain Basinger contributed materially to the success of his squadron. He lost his life when his aircraft was downed by enemy ground fire near Con Thien, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam on 12 May 1967. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

For the President,
Paul R. Ignatius
Secretary of the Navy

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