AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Rescue
MODEL:  HH-3F

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Patricia A. McFetridge for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on the morning of 22 September 1990 while serving as Co-Pilot of Coast Guard helicopter HH-3F CGNR 1467. The aircrew was dispatched to search for the fishing vessel JANICE N which was reported to have caught fire. Ensign McFetridge flew at an altitude of 100 feet through heavy rain, 75-knot wind gusts, severe turbulence, 30-foot seas, and visibility less than one-quarter mile. After an exhaustive two and one-half hour search, until fuel ran low, with visibility reduced to one-eighth mile, the aircrew sighted a raft with three persons onboard. As the survivors were hoisted, Ensign McFetridge carefully monitored the seas, and her quick reaction on several occasions kept the aircraft from striking the water. Demonstrating great composure under pressure, during the hoists, Ensign McFetridge provided communications between the Pilot and crew when the intercom system was disabled by the driving rain. Relieving the exhausted Aircraft Commander, she skillfully flew the aircraft, while making arrangements for medical assistance for the survivors. Ensign McFetridge's actions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of three victims. Her courage, judgment and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.