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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Petty Officer Donald K. Murray for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as Rescue Swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH-60J helicopter, CG6014 on the evening of 16 April 1996. The helicopter was launched from Air Station Cape Cod to assist the fishing vessel PAULINE AND PEARL, which was sinking 90 miles east of Provincetown, Massachusetts. The aircraft flew through a raging storm producing 35-foot seas, 100-yard visibility, severe turbulence and winds gusting to 70 knots. Forty-five minutes after the aircraft arrived on scene, in complete darkness, the F/V PAULINE AND PEARL capsized, tossing its three fishermen into the frigid water. Despite the perilous conditions, Petty Officer Murray volunteered to deploy to save the lives of the three foundering fishermen. During the first deployment, a gust of wind threw the aircraft 100 yards backward, violently jerking Petty Officer Murray out of the water. Undaunted, he swam back through the treacherous seas to complete the pickup. After completing recovery of the second survivor, the aircraft’s rescue hoist failed, stranding Petty Officer Murray and the final survivor for more than 30 minutes amidst towering swells and hurricane-force winds. Although fully aware of the perilous conditions, Petty Officer Murray bolstered his survivor’s spirits by informing him, “Nobody dies on my watch!”. Completely exhausted, he towed the survivor toward the F/V MARU, which subsequently hoisted both men from the water. Through his skill, valor and personal sacrifice, Petty Officer Murray saved the lives of three persons and exemplified the Aviation Survivalman’s motto, “So others may live”. 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.