Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Aviation Survival Technician Second Class

    Action Date:

    December 3, 2007

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Erick A. Lieb, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the Rescue Swimmer aboard Coast Guard MB-60J Jayhawk helicopter 6022 on 3 December 2007. As part of the first crew to launch from Air Station Astoria, Oregon, during a winter storm of record ferocity, Petty Officer Lieb battled torrential rain, severe turbulence, poor visibility and extreme winds en route to a series of inland rescues marked by dangerous terrain, hypothermic victims, poor communications and darkness. At great personal risk, Petty Officer Lieb was lowered dozens of times into rolling flood waters filled with hidden hazards that included live power lines, logs, animal carcasses and pollutants. Petty Officer Lieb’s selfless exposure to these dangers resulted in the only possible rescue for many people caught by the devastating flash flood. Placing himself at extraordinary peril by entering flooded and unstable houses, Petty Officer Lieb demonstrated exceptional skill and physical stamina by shepherding victims and setting up the hoists needed to move them to safety. Petty Officer Lieb entered the flooded home of a 97-year-old man whose life was in immediate danger, gently carrying him out of the damaged structure and into the rescue basket. Petty Officer Lieb valiantly rescued four persons huddled aboard a small, disabled boat that had broken from its mooring and was being swept away by the fast moving current. Without hesitation, Petty Officer Lieb disconnected himself from the security of the hoist cable, pursued the boat through floodwaters, and secured it so that the survivors could be recovered. He performed in this courageous and selfless manner throughout the arduous ten-hour mission. Petty Officer Lieb’s actions, skill, and heroism were instrumental in the rescue of 39 people. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous conditions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.