The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant August Kleisch, United States Coast Guard, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight from 29 April to 1 May 1945, as Pilot of a training type Helicopter during the rescue of friendly airmen forced down in the interior of Labrador. Undeterred by the unknown hazards attendant upon this difficult rescue operation, Lieutenant Kleisch courageously penetrated the uninhabited wilds of Labrador for a distance of 146 miles and, skillfully landing his fragile craft in a remote and otherwise inaccessible location, expeditiously effected the rescue of nine Royal Canadian flyers who had been helplessly stranded in an area beyond range of ordinary assistance. Voluntarily risking his life in the daring attempt to save his fellow airmen, Lieutenant Kleisch, by his dauntless valor, superb flying ability and determined efforts in the face of tremendous odds, succeeded in completing an extremely perilous mission and his gallant conduct throughout sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United Naval Service.