The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Survival Technician Christopher S. Walker, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight from 30 August 2005 to 5 September 2005 during Hurricane KATRINA rescue operation Demonstrating exemplary aeronautical skill and physical stamina, Chief Petty Officer Walker served as rescue a swimmer aboard HH-60 and HH-65 helicopters for over 28 day and night flight hours in a hardens urban disaster environment On August 31 Chief Petty Officer Walker risked his own life to save others when he was lowered to a flooded apartment complex tennis court. What began as a rescue of two persons soon turned Into utter chaos as over 50 survivors emerged from the surrounding buildings. For over three and a half hours, Chief Petty Officer Walker remained immersed In chest-deep, toxic floodwaters coordinating the rescue efforts of three helicopters. He repeatedly waded and swam over 100 yards through the fetid water, through and over submerged debris, often carrying Infants and children two at a time on his shoulders. Chief Petty Officer Walker led entire families to the safety of the hovering helicopters, protecting them while simultaneously handling a wildly swinging rescue basket. During one survivor hoist, Chief Petty Officer Walker tended the 105 foot trail line as he watched the hovering helicopter begin an early departure. With only seconds to spare before the trail line would catch a 10 foot fence he forcibly tore the trail line away from the basket and saved the survivor from a dangerous swing. On his final recovery, Chief Petty Officer Walker and a survivor hung 80 feet beneath an HH-145 as it lost lift and began to descend perilously towards obstacles. As the pilot accelerated forward to gain lift, he protected his survivor while swinging between buildings and trees at speeds up to 50 knots until the helicopter gained a safe altitude. Chief Petty Officer Walker performed at the peak levels of endurance over a five day period. His actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in saving 129 storm 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.