The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survival Technician Third Class Mitchell A. Latta, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 30 August to 5 September 2005 during Hurricane KATRINA rescue operations. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical skill and superlative physical stamina, Petty Officer Latta served as rescue swimmer aboard HH-60 helicopters for 32 flight hours flying day and night search and rescue missions in a hazardous urban disaster environment. On the morning of 30 August, as the storm still battered the region, Petty Officer Latta responded aboard an HH-6OJ helicopter surging into metropolitan New Orleans. Battling 40 knot winds and flying debris, be deployed to a rooftop where 10 survivors gathered inches above rising floodwaters. One survivor was an amputee suffering from diabetic shock trapped helplessly in her attic. Using a sledge hammer, Petty Officer Latta demolished the roof and located the survivor who was too large to be moved. Displaying exceptional ingenuity, he attached a quick strop to the survivor and coordinated with his flight mechanic to winch the 400 pound survivor out of the house. On 31 August, faced with an identical situation, Petty Officer Latta discovered a paralyzed stroke victim trapped in her attic. While balanced precariously on thin wooden beams, he signaled to hoist the survivor, cautiously protecting her from broken boards and nails as she was carefully maneuvered through the hole in the roof. On 2 September, Petty Officer Latta was deployed to a woman standing in chest deep toxic floodwater. Suffering from severe shock, the woman grabbed for Petty Officer Latta and then collapsed into the water. Fighting to keep her head above water, Petty Officer Latta attached the quick strop and signaled for an immediate hoist. At approximately five feet above the water he noticed a garden hose entangled around the woman’s legs, preventing the hoist and threatening serious injury. Completely disregarding his safety, he directed his flight mechanic to return him to the water, where he submerged and swam underwater to untangle the obstruction. His quick, selfless action saved the unconscious woman from certain death. His actions, skill and valor were instrumental in the rescue of 181 storm victims. 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.