AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  SH-3A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Lemmert for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an SH-3A Sea King helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Seventy-Five on 23-24 June 1972, while participating in flood rescue operations following Tropical Storm Agnes in the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area. As Helicopter Aircraft Commander, Lieutenant Commander Lemmert rescued seventy-three persons over a period of two days, despite extremely hazardous flight conditions of heavy rain, low ceiling, and very limited visibility, during day and night operations. With exceptional accuracy and determination, he repeatedly piloted his helicopter into confined areas which often necessitated hovering for extended periods while in close proximity to such obstacles as television antennas and high-tension power lines, Lieutenant Commander Lemmert's courage, superb airmanship, and ability to innovate many new procedures for flying in this rescue mission contributed directly to the successful rescues. Were it not for his personal efforts, many people would have perished in the rising flood waters. Lieutenant Commander Lemmert's outstanding leadership and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.