The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survivalman Second Class Terry A. Burcham, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while participating in aerial flight from 22 to 23 February 1998 as rescue swimmer aboard Coast Guard helicopter CG6017. The aircrew was engaged in the medical evacuation of a critically injured crewman from the M/V HEKABE, a 713-foot tanker disabled and adrift amid a severe winter storm, 180 miles south of Adak, Alaska. Dispatched from Air Station Kodiak, Petty Officer Burcham provided vital navigation backup and expertly maintained a radio guard without the aid of Aleutian communication stations on a two-day, 1200- mile transit through 60-knot headwinds, severe turbulence, moderate icing, and zero visibility in blowing snow and fog. When CG6017 arrived on scene, the M/V HEKABE was unable to hold course, violently pitching and rolling in 40-foot seas. Cognizant of the severe hoisting conditions and precious little time on scene, Petty Officer Burcham requested to be deployed to the vessel to stabilize the patient and prepare him for hoisting. Once on deck, Petty Officer Burcham struggled to maintain his footing. As waves crashed over the deck, he secured the patient in the litter and tended the trail line until the patient was safely hoisted. During his recovery the ship took a 40-degree roll nearly tossing Petty Officer Burcham overboard. Approaching Adak with zero visibility, CG6017 was forced to make an automatic approach to a 30-foot hover over the water and hover taxi into Adak. Petty Officer Burcham provided critical terrain clearance calls until the runway was acquired visually at a distance of 300 feet. Petty Officer Burcham’s actions, professional skill, and valor were instrumental the rescue of the M/V HEKABE’s crewman. 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.