AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  HH-60J

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the night of 28 October 1991 while serving as aircraft commander of Coast Guard HH-60J CGNR 6008 engaged in the rescue of nine crew members from the sailing vessell ANNE KRISTINA during the height of Hurricane GRACE. The 96-foot wooden schooner was sinking in 40-foot seas 300 nautical miles off Cape Henry, Virginia. With crosswinds in excess of 60 knots, the distance to the scene was beyond the capability of the helicopter, so the air crew flew to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA which served as a refueling platform 250 miles from the scene. Overcoming turbulence and reduced visibility in rain, the crew located the ANNE KRISTINA using night vision goggles. As each crewmember of the ANNE KRISTINA abandoned ship they were pulled from the turbulent waters using the rescue basket. Lieutenant Lange hovered the helicopter over the vessel in 60-knot winds and driving rain at a low altitude to complete 11 hoists in 45 minutes. Undaunted by equipment failures, high seas, hurricane force winds, and rain Lieutenant Lange's actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of seven men and two women. 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.