The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Robert W. Crafton, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 5 February 1962. As Pilot of a Navy ASW Helicopter, the HSS-2 Sea King, Lieutenant Crafton succeeded in establishing a world’s speed record for helicopters – 210.65 miles per hour over a 19-kilometer course. Through his exceptional achievement, he clearly demonstrated the inherent capabilities and the maximum performance of a most important aircraft of the U.S. Navy. In addition, he was instrumental in focusing world attention on the continued significant development of the science of aviation in the United States.