The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Patrick L. Sullivan, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 17 May 1961 as Pilot of an antisubmarine helicopter, the HSS-2. Exercising keen foresight, outstanding initiative, and brilliant airmanship, Commander Sullivan succeeded in establishing a new world helicopter speed record of 192.9 miles per hour over a three-kilometer, straight-line course at Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Through his exceptional accomplishment, he clearly demonstrated the inherent capabilities and the maximum performance of an important U.S. Navy aircraft, and focused world attention on the continued significant development of the science of aviation in the United States.