The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Survivalman First Class Michael C. Mille, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on the morning of 5 December 1996 as Rescue Swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH-60J helicopter 6024. The aircrew was engaged in the perilous rescue of five survivors from the Fishing Vessel L DAN which had capsized in 90 knot winds forcing its crew into the raging, freezing waters of Portage Bay, Alaska. Dispatched from Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, the crew flew over 130 miles through mountain passes and severe turbulence to the vessel’s last known position. While en route, Petty Officer Mille maintained communications and prepared for the rescue. Using direction finding equipment, the crew homed in on the vessel’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon signal finally locating the survivors raft as it was pounded by 20 foot waves in furious white-water seas of wind driven ice and spray. Petty Officer Mille courageously deployed into the frigid churning seas as the helicopter hovered 50 feet above in violent down drafts and winds gusting to 90 knots. Over the next 11 minutes, Petty Officer Mille repeatedly swam the 20 yard circuit through the towering waves and hurricane force wind, pulling each survivor from the raft and placing them into the rescue basket. After three harrowing recoveries, Petty Officer Mille was hoisted aboard the helicopter allowing a brief rest before repositioning him closer to the fast-moving raft. Petty Officer Mille again deployed into the seas and rescued the remaining two crewmembers. Petty Officer Mille’s actions, professional skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of five 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.