(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Aviation Maintenance Technician Third Class Gregory A. Gibbons, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving on a Coast Guard HH-65B helicopter, CGNR 6513, operating from the cutter ALEX HALEY on 8 December 2004. Undaunted by howling 45-knot arctic gales and 30-foot seas that caused the cutter’s deck to pitch and roll well beyond safe launch limits, CGNR 6513 made a daring takeoff to provide backup for another Coast Guard helicopter dispatched to evacuate eight mariners from the recently grounded M/V SELENDANG AYU near Unalaska Island. As the HH-60J was hoisting a crewman from the 738-foot freighter, CGNR 6513 watched in awe as a huge wave struck the vessel and shot skyward, engulfing CGNR 6020 and causing it to plunge into the frigid sea. Aviation Maintenance Technician Third Class Gibbons’ actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of six survivors. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.