The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Theodore C. LeFeuvre, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the early morning of 31 January 1998 while serving as copilot onboard Coast Guard HH-60J 6011. The aircrew was engaged in the perilous rescue of three survivors from the Fishing Vessel LA CONTE which sank 50 miles off Cape Fairweather, Alaska, during a fierce winter storm. Dispatched from Sitka to relieve two other helicopter crews Commander LeFeuvre gathered critical on-scene information from the returning crews, then directed that special rescue equipment and additional crew be deployed with CG 6011. He skillfully navigated 120 miles through blinding snow storms, severe turbulence, and 60 knot winds. On scene, the crew was confronted with 50-foot seas, rogue waves topping 70 feet, and winds gusting from 50-70 knots. Visibility was virtually zero in darkness, horizontal snow, and dense sea spray. Hovering over survivors was nearly impossible as violent gusts of wind and confused seas required the pilot to make 30-degree pitch and roll inputs to maintain position. Realizing that one pilot could not control the helicopter in such conditions, Commander LeFeuvre took over the collective to maintain the helicopter’s altitude. He also guarded the cyclic to prevent over controlling of the aircraft, allowing the pilot to concentrate fully on delivering the rescue basket to the survivors. After nearly two exhausting hours, the crew miraculously rescued three survivors. Commander LeFeuvre then safely flew the aircraft to Yakutat Airport where the survivors were transferred in stable condition to waiting ambulances. Commander LeFeuvre’s actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of three survivors. 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.