The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survivalman First Class David J. Moore, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight the evening of 29 November 1997 while serving as rescue swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH60J Helicopter 6013. CG6013 launched in response to the fishing vessel (F/V) JOLLY ROGER which had capsized in thirty foot breaking surf off the west coast of Grays Harbor Washington. Upon locating the first crewman, Petty Officer Moore battled total darkness, low ceilings, poor visibility, heavy rainsqualls, and winds in excess of forty knots as he deployed into the violent sea. After skillfully recovering the survivor and being hoisted back to the helicopter, Petty Officer Moore stabilized the survivor and assisted in the search for the vessels life raft and other two crewmembers. The raft was soon located and Petty Officer Moore once again deployed into the dangerous waters. After ensuring that the heavy raft did not contain any crewmen, Petty Officer Moore was suddenly enveloped by a series of thirty foot breaking waves. As tons of breaking surf cascaded down upon him, his hood, mask, and snorkel were ripped from his face. Held under water by the force of the deadly waves, Petty Officer Moore struggled to reach the surface. Vomiting, bleeding, and gasping for air, he finally escaped the powerful grasp of the swirling water and was hoisted back to the safety of the aircraft. Within minutes, however, another crewman was located in the exploding surf. The injured and exhausted Petty Officer Moore, ignoring the imminent peril to himself, again courageously volunteered to be hoisted into the raging seas Ð this time without his hood, mask, and snorkel. Despite the extremely dangerous conditions, he again fought through the furious water and recovered the second crewman. Although hurt and thoroughly exhausted, Petty Officer Moore disregarded his own welfare and comfort and assisted in administering CPR on the second crewman. Petty Officer Moore’s actions, skill and valor were instrumental in the rescue of two 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.