The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander David L. Andrews, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the night of 13 March 1973 as pilot and aircraft commander of Coast Guard HH-3F 1436 helicopter engaged in the perilous hoist of two crewmen from the sinking fishing vessel Norden. The aircraft had been dispatched from the Air Station San Diego to assist the Norden, which was disabled and adrift in 20-foot seas with winds exceeding 40 knots in a position 25 miles southwest of San Clemente Island, California. As darkness approached and the weather deteriorated, Lieutenant Commander Andrews hoisted one of the two crewmen from the fishing vessel under extremely adverse conditions. A United States Navy Destroyer arrived on scene and attempted to take the Norden in tow. However, during the evolution, the Norden was severely damaged and her master thrown into the turbulent seas. After passing under the Navy vessel, he surfaced on the opposite side of the ship, immobile in the water due to injuries received during immersion. Lieutenant Commander Andrews, realizing the survivor’s plight, quickly assessed the situation and determined that descending into the trough and ÒscoopingÓ the victim in the rescue basket was the only means of retrieving him from the water. After ten minutes of extremely arduous and demanding flying, the rescue basket was positioned under the victim and he was hoisted aboard the helicopter and taken to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Lieutenant Commander Andrews’ expert aeronautical skill and dauntless valor throughout this perilous rescue mission resulted in saving the lives of the men. His heroic courage, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.