The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Lonnie L. Mixon, United States Coast Guard, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight on afternoon of November 29, 1966 as pilot of a Coast Guard helicopter, engaged in the transfer of eight crewmen from the grounded West German Motor Vessel Nordmeer to the USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB 83). Lieutenant Mixon skillfully navigated the helicopter 150 miles through heavy snow, turbulence and gale force winds only 300 feet above the terrain with low ceilings and icing conditions. The final 80 miles of the route was flown in nearly continuous snow at 200 feet over Lake Huron utilizing the shoreline for navigation. After approximately two and one half hours of low level flying the Nordmeer was located grounded on Thunder Bay Shoal in Lake Huron and communications established with the crew who advised that they were stranded on the forward deck, with no power or heat and desired immediate removal. Lieutenant Mixon expertly maneuvered the helicopter and within 22 minutes accomplished the hoist of the eight crewmembers from the Nordmeer to the icy, heaving deck of the USCGC Mackinaw. Minutes after the operation was completed, the Nordmeer broke athwartships and her decks became awash. Lieutenant Mixon displayed expert airmanship and dauntless valor throughout this perilous rescue mission. His skill, courage, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the united States Coast Guard.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Air Force Award) to Lieutenant Commander Lonnie L. Mixon, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter, attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, United States Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia on 2 July 1968. On that date, Commander Mixon penetrated a heavily defended area of North Vietnam to attempt the rescue of an injured, downed pilot. Before a recovery could be initiated, a low fuel state forced him to depart the area. As Commander Mixon returned from the refueling, another aircraft was shot down. With unwavering calmness and courage, he proceeded directly to the crash site, although he was without an escort over an area of active anti-aircraft sites, Commander Mixon arrived over the scene of the crash prepared for an immediate rescue but there were no survivors. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Commander Mixon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.