The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survivalman Third Class Charles A. Brannan, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism in aerial flight while serving as rescue swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH-60J helicopter on the morning of 2 August 1995. During the height of Hurricane Erin, the crew of the 150 foot cruise ship CLUB ROYAL, beleaguered by 20-30 foot seas and 50 knot winds, experienced uncontrollable flooding and abandoned ship 100 miles east of Port Canaveral, Florida. After flying 200 nautical miles across the heart of the storm , the crew of CG 6031 located seven survivors in a life raft. Petty Officer Brannan quickly volunteered to deploy into the raging 30 foot seas. After a sling deployment, Petty Officer Brannan battled monstrous swells and fierce winds. While approaching the raft, he directed the survivors to stay calm and not move to one side of the raft. Unfortunately his advice was not heeded and the raft overturned , tossing four survivors into the raging seas. Miraculously, Petty Officer Brannan struggled against the elements and gathered the people together. He risked his life for 30 perilous minutes while preparing these four victims to be hoisted to the safety of the helicopter. Petty Officer Brannan’s actions, aeronautical skill and valor were instrumental in the rescue of four survivors. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty, are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.