The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Richard Garth Brand (NSN: 0-478501), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a helicopter in Helicopter Unit ONE (HU-1), Unit NINETEEN, during the rescue of a downed pilot in enemy waters off Wonsan, North Korea on 24 February 1953. At great risk to his own life, Lieutenant Brand proceeded on a daring rescue flight through heavy small arms fire to a position over the pilot, less than 500 yards from hostile territory on two sides and less than a mile on a third side. Despite the increasing small arms fire, Lieutenant Brand hovered over the pilot until he was hoisted aboard. Returning to base, Lieutenant Brand piloted the helicopter past shore batteries which subjected him to heavy anti-aircraft fire. The success of this mission undoubtedly saved the pilot from serious exposure or capture by the North Koreans. Lieutenant Brand’s marked courage, skill, and selfless efforts on behalf of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.