The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Michael W. Proctor, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the morning of 22 September 1990 while serving as flight mechanic aboard Coast Guard helicopter HH-3F CGNR 1467. The aircrew was dispatched to search for the fishing vessel JANICE N which was reported to have caught fire. Flying at an altitude of 100 feet through heavy rain, 75 knot wind gusts, severe turbulence, 30-foot seas, and visibility less than one-quarter mile the aircrew located the burning vessel with no persons on board. Despite the extremely hazardous weather, an expanded search for the survivors began. With little fuel remaining, Petty Officer Proctor sighted a raft with three persons onboard. With winds so strong that the pilot had no visual reference to the raft, Petty Officer Proctor used calm, professional commands to guide the pilot into the correct position for hoisting. When the driving rain caused the helicopter’s intercom system to fail, Petty Officer Proctor displayed great composure under pressure, calmly relaying maneuvering commands through the copilot. Undaunted by the heavy seas and severe winds which caused the raft to roll wildly, Petty Officer Proctor expertly placed the swinging rescue basket near the raft and successfully hoisted the three survivors to safety. Petty Officer Proctor’s actions were instrumental in the rescue of three 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.