AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Peacetime
MODEL:  MH-60T

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant James T. Christy for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the night of 2 March 2021 as Aircraft Commander aboard CGNR 6032. He directed his crew to launch to assist the Canadian F/V Atlantic Destiny, disabled by an engine room fire and taking on water 200 miles east of Air Station Cape Cod with 31 crew on board. Coaxing maximum performance from the helicopter while battling freezing spray and with 60-knot winds, he located the darkened fishing vessel adrift and heaving violently in the 30-foot seas. First to arrive on scene, CGNR 6032 faced seemingly unsurmountable challenges as Lieutenant Christy wrestled the helicopter into position over an unlit four by six-foot hoisting area. As the driving wind forced the first trail line precariously close to the aircraft’s tail rotor, he risked disorientation as he climbed and lost sight of the vessel to prevent a catastrophe. Continuing to demonstrate extraordinary airmanship, he elected to position the aircraft below the swaying mast and matched the vessel’s violent motion. Communications with the Flight Mechanic were lost several times, forcing Lieutenant Christy to promptly direct the rescue swimmer to provide advisories to ensure aircraft safety. Noting that the hoist cable had wrapped around one of the many obstacles, he immediately increased altitude to avoid shearing the hoist. As CGNR 6032 became laden with survivors, he meticulously managed power near aircraft limits and battled to keep the aircraft stable. Utilizing the last remaining trail line, he once again maneuvered within feet of the vessel’s superstructure and with zero margin for error hoisted four additional survivors. Despite extreme physical and mental fatigue, he safely transited 125 miles to Nova Scotia, landing with less than 30 minutes of fuel. Lieutenant Christy’s actions, aeronautical skill and heroism were instrumental in saving eight lives. His courage, judgment and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.