Navy Federal Credit Union

Daniel Molthen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, Class of 1983, and subsequently was commissioned in the U.S. Coast Guard. known for his participation in the 2006 Walt Disney Company movie ÒThe Guardian,Ó which starred Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher and was filmed partially in Elizabeth City. Molthen was selected out of more than 600 Coast Guard pilots as a subject matter expert for the movie. He managed entire flight sequences with the director and the computer-generated imagery staff, and advised the director, producer, and hundreds of film crew and actors on Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations. He retired in 2011 as a U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    December 22, 1997

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Daniel J. Molthen, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as aircraft commander aboard Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter 6042 on the night of 22 December 1997. The crew was engaged in the dramatic rescue of a survivor from the 36-foot Fishing Vessel CALLISTO that sank in an Alaskan gale 40 miles south of Sitka, Alaska. Lieutenant Molthen expertly navigated through 45-knot winds and one quarter mile visibility in blowing snow and sleet to the scene. The lone survivor was stranded in a life raft being blown towards the treacherous rocky coastline and pounding surf. As the helicopter approached the raft it became clear that the severity of the turbulence would make maintaining a stable hover impossible. The 20-foot waves rebounded off the nearby rocks causing a doubly confused sea state, which violently tossed the life raft. As the crew struggled to deliver the rescue basket to the survivor, brutal downdrafts from the nearby cliffs repeatedly drove the helicopter down to within 40-feet of the raging sea. Allowing the pilot to concentrate on delivering the rescue basket to the survivor, Lieutenant Molthen meticulously monitored the helicopter’s altitude and routinely was forced to apply maximum power to prevent the helicopter from impacting the waves. Undaunted by the overwhelming conditions, Lieutenant Molthen implemented innovative rescue techniques, one after the other, determined to save the imperiled mariner. After struggling in a constant hover for nearly an hour, and with the survivor now only yards from the rocks, the crew miraculously delivered the rescue basket to the rafts entrance, allowing the survivor to leap into the rescue basket where he was hoisted to safety. Lieutenant Molthen’s actions and aeronautical skill were instrumental to the successful rescue. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grace

    Action Date:

    November 17, 1994

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Daniel J. Molthen, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight on 17 November, 1994, while serving as Co-Pilot of HH-60J helicopter CGNR 6034. The aircrew was engaged in the rescue of a family of four from the sailing vessel MARINE FLOWER II that was being thrashed by Hurricane Gordon, 400 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Lieutenant, Junior Grade Molthen’s actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of four persons. 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.