The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survival Technician Third Class David M. McClure, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight from 31 August 2005 through 3 September 2005 while serving as Rescue Swimmer on CG6501 engaged in multiple Hurricane KATRINA rescue missions in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. Demonstrating extraordinary intrepidness, Petty Officer McClure was repeatedly deployed in close proximity to an array of hazards including airborne debris, downed power lines, fallen trees, and unsafe structures to rescue 224 survivors from residences, rooftops, and the fetid floodwater that engulfed the area. In one scenario, Petty Officer McClure deployed through a second-story window to assist three elderly women, but soon realized that their rescue through the small window was unfeasible. He then re-deployed to the front entrance, kicked in the door, and assisted the women one-by-one through chest-deep water to the rescue basket. In another scenario, Petty Officer McClure was lowered from a 100 foot hover at night through smoke and fumes to rescue an elderly couple trapped on a roof and threatened by a next-door house fire. Once on scene, he quickly assessed their situation, provided immediate care, and readied them for a basket rescue. In a third operation, Petty Officer McClure was deployed between two apartment complexes onto a small balcony where he safely rescued a wheelchair-bound patient, and during his recovery, he displayed remarkable resolve as he returned with the victim’s wheelchair in his free hand. On other missions, Petty Officer McClure volunteered to remain on scene while CG6501 cleared stranded groups from large rooftops. During these times he was a singular voice of reason as he calmed unruly mobs, reassured frightened families, and triaged the most critical victims. Petty Officer McClure’s actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of 224 flood 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.