The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Philip L. Amrhein, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 August 1982 as Mission Commander and pilot of a UH-1N helicopter assigned to Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California. Lieutenant Amrhein and crew launched on a mission to rescue a critically injured mountain climber from Seven Gables Mountain located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The victim reportedly suffered from a broken back, broken leg, and fractured skill sustained during a 60-foot fall from the top of the 13,070-foot MSL peak on the previous morning. Treacherous winds in excess of 40 knots generated severe turbulence which required Lieutenant Amrhein to fly his aircraft at the very edge of the flight envelope for over 50 minutes while rescue aircrewmen rappelled 240 feet below, prepared the victim, and effected recovery utilizing a rescue hoist. His courage, knowledge of high altitude mountain aviation flight techniques, and superb airmanship enabled him to accomplish the lifesaving mission. Lieutenant Amrhein’s outstanding leadership, heroic actions, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.