Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Aviation Survival Technician Third Class

    Action Date:

    August 30 – September 4, 2005

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survival Technician Third Class William E. Lawson, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 30 August to 4 September 2005 in support of Hurricane KATRINA response operations in metropolitan New Orleans. Demonstrating exemplary aeronautical skill and superlative physical stamina, Petty Officer Lawson served as a rescue swimmer aboard HH-65 and HH-60J helicopters for 34 day and night flight hours, saving 86 lives in an urban disaster environment. On 29 August, while the storm still battered the region, Petty Officer Lawson responded aboard one of the first HH-60J helicopters to enter New Orleans. Battling 50 knot winds, Petty Officer Lawson deployed to a high angle rooftop to rescue 15 survivors stranded by rapidly rising floodwater. On each hoist, with great agility, he precariously balanced himself on the slippery roof peak while simultaneously holding onto survivors with one hand and handling the swinging rescue basket with the other. On 31 August, Petty Officer Lawson entered a hospital housing more than 200 critical patients. Coordinating the efforts of three helicopters, he took charge and ensured that every survivor was evacuated, personally carrying an amputee on his back up 10 flights of stairs to a waiting helicopter. Later, the crew located an elderly couple floating helplessly in a makeshift life raft. Anticipating that the helicopter’s rotor wash would capsize the raft if approached directly, Petty Officer Lawson demonstrated exceptional bravery and endurance by swimming 100 yards through an area littered with power lines, jagged debris, and industrial waste, risking his life to reach the survivors. While navigating the floodwater, he was momentarily entangled on a submerged fence and realized this obstacle would not allow a return swim with a survivor. Fighting the effects of the caustic chemicals on his skin and in his eyes, he reached the first survivor and towed her to a safe hoist area. With the rotor wash blowing the raft away, he swam 50 yards to reach the man and complete the final hoist. Petty Officer Lawson’s actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of 86 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.