The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Armor) Charles W. Mooney, United States Army, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, on 18 May 1964 at Storm King Mountain, near Cornwall, New York. As pilot of an Army UH-1A helicopter, Major Mooney demonstrated fortitude and professional skill in the performance of a hazardous rescue mission. He unhesitatingly volunteered to fly the aircraft at midnight into a dark, unfamiliar, mountainous area to evacuate a severely injured civilian from atop a rugged mountain peak. Although aided only by the light of ground flares and an aircraft searchlight, he landed the helicopter in an area so restricted that the tail of the aircraft projected over a cliff 1,200 feet above the Hudson River. His success in landing the front of the landing skids against the precipitous slope and in holding the aircraft with engine power enabled the crew to reach the victim and load him aboard the helicopter. He then continued to display his determination, professional competence, and profound concern for his fellow man by flying the injured man to the nearest hospital and landing the helicopter on the front lawn of the hospital. His courage and successful effort in saving a human life significantly enhanced the goodwill existing between the military establishment and the local community. Major Mooney’s heroic conduct, outstanding flying ability, and humanitarian actions during this dangerous mission are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself in the military service.