The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer John J. Cooney, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 33rd Transportation Company ( Light) Helicopter (H-21), Fort Ord, California, as pilot of an H-21 Helicopter in the rescue of four skiers stranded on Mount Lyell, Yosemite National Park, California, on 31 March 1958. This volunteer mission, conducted by Mister Cooney under extremely adverse and dangerous conditions of low density air at 11,500 feet actual altitude, violent winds and snowstorms which limited visibility, unpredictable air currents, hazardous peaks and inadequate landing sites, demanded the utmost technical precision and constant attention to duty. Mister Cooney’s skillful flying techniques, professional competence and ingenuity made it possible to land the aircraft in the deep snow on the narrow bridge of a steep slope near the isolated individuals. Upon completion of this perilous task, he left the helicopter, waded through the deep snow drifts, to assist a skier stricken with pneumonia into the aircraft and to remove the victim to a place of safety. This timely action not only saved the life of this skier, but also the lives of three other skiers who would have encountered extreme danger from the severe blizzard which followed immediately after the rescue. Mister Cooney’s unhesitating and courageous action and tenacious determination successfully accomplish this mission in the face of grave danger, reflecting the highest credit upon himself, his unit and the military service.