The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Avionics Electrical Technician Second Class Daniel S. Ramsey, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as the Flight Mechanic aboard Coast Guard MH-60J Jayhawk helicopter 6022 on the night of 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 Ramsey battled torrential rain, severe turbulence, poor visibility and hurricane force winds en route to a series of inland rescues marked by dangerous terrain, hypothermic victims, poor communications, and darkness. After rescuing four hunters stranded on Long Island, Washington, the 6022 diverted to Chehalis, Washington, where hundreds of people were trapped and endangered by cold, rapidly rising floodwaters. During the ninety nautical mile flight, Petty Officer Ramsey handled critical radio communications, assisted with navigation and prepared the cabin for rescue operations. He then flawlessly conned the pilot through thirty hoists and twelve rescue swimmer deployments. He employed extraordinary aeronautical ability ensuring that the aircraft avoided obstacles despite severely limited visibility in darkness, often only feet from live power lines and large trees. He extracted those in peril from rooftops and through the upper windows of darkened homes engulfed by fast-moving water. He exhibited consummate skill and courage in rescuing four people from a small boat as flood water swept it through the darkness among trees and power lines. In addition, Petty Officer Ramsey managed the passenger compartment where the wet, cold and frightened people huddled following their rescues. During the eight hour mission, Petty Officer Ramsey’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.