The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander William F. McMeekin, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on Coast Guard HH-6O’s from 27 August to 2 September 2005. On 27 August, Commander McMeekin courageously flew into winds in excess of 75 knots near the eye of Hurricane KATRINA to provide rescue support and communications for CG 6019, which rescued three persons from the stricken fishing vessel (F/V) MARY LYNN, disabled and adrift in raging 50 foot seas. After departing from F/V MARY LYNN Commander McMeekin located the F/V MARIA RITA in distress and rescued the sole fisherman from violent seas and storm force winds. At midnight on 29 August, Commander McMeekin once again flew through the tumultuous outer bands of Hurricane KATRINA to reach the decimated flood zones in New Orleans, Louisiana, and render assistance to the survivors of the monstrously destructive storm as one of the first responders. During the next four nights, Commander McMeekin flew over 25 hours, 18 of which were in near-blackout conditions, with no geographical references and at significant risk in a low-level night environment, and conducted 56 hoists to save 54 lives. During the night of 30 August, Commander McMeekin expertly maneuvered the helicopter into an obstructed parking area, surrounded on three sides by high rise buildings with four light poles and two tall elevator shafts. He flew CG 6017 to an adjacent position, and commenced a sliding, 180-degree pedal turn to a steep approach/no-hover landing to deliver over one thousand pounds of critically needed emergency medical supplies and paramedics to Tulane University Hospital. Commander McMeekin fought crew fatigue, 300 foot cloud ceilings, and limited visibility to expertly hoist and transport an additional 43 distraught hurricane victims from rooftops to safe havens. Commander McMeekin’s heroic actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of 55 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.