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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Petty Officer Gary L. Strebe for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight on the morning of 9 May 1991 while serving as Rescue Swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH-3F CGNR 1467, launched at midnight from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, in response to a mayday call from the fishing vessel Dora H, which was capsizing and sinking in heavy seas, 135 nautical miles from Kodiak. Arriving on scene, Petty Officer Strebe was lowered into a 30-to-40 swell of frigid 35-degree water. While he was being lowered, a swell fell away and the hoist cable became taut, tearing his mask and snorkel from his face. Despite 40-to-55 knot winds, rain, and snow showers, Petty Officer Strebe battled the seas continuously for nearly an hour, towing four survivors from the raft 30 yards downwind of the hoisting area. Nearing exhaustion and concerned with the helicopters low fuel state, Petty Officer Strebe clipped himself to the basket on the last hoist. Petty Officer Strebe's actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of four victims. 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.