The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Aviation Survivalman Second Class Daniel W. Edwards, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight on the night of 13 March 1993, while serving as the Rescue Swimmer of Coast Guard HH-3F helicopter CGNR 1486, launched from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida. The aircrew was engaged in the recovery of survivors in the water following the sinking of the merchant vessel FANTASTICO approximately 60 nautical miles west of Fort Myers, Florida. As the “Storm of the Century” raged in the Gulf of Mexico, the aircrew arrived on scene and located two hypothermic survivors in the water. Petty Officer Edwards selflessly volunteered to deploy into the tumultuous 30-foot seas and gale force winds to aid in the rescue of victims. Spending over one hour in the water in incredibly severe weather conditions at night, Petty Officer Edwards fought tenaciously to place the survivors safely into the rescue basket as it was battered incessantly by the giant waves. The second survivor had suffered a severe leg injury as the vessel sank, which complicated the rescue and required a determined effort by Petty Officer Edwards to execute his safe recovery. Petty Officer Edwards actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of two victims. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.