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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to David M. Yoder, III, Aviation Survivalman Second Class, United States Coast Guard. Petty Officer Yoder is cited for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight on 12 December 1993 while serving as Rescue Swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH-60J 6008, engaged in the rescue the three crewmembers from the sailing vessel Malachite, east of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Petty Officer Yoder observed the beleaguered vessel surfing down 30-foot raging seas, her sail in ribbons, and her rigging torn and sailing in the wind. Recognizing that Malachite’s crew would not survive the night, Petty Officer Yoder volunteered to deploy into the perilous seas. With the first survivor in tow, he swam toward the rescue basket and was battered by a rogue wave which tore off his mask and snorkel. Repeatedly, as he shoved the dazed survivors into the basket, he was left dangling as the seas dropped out beneath him, then smashed against the basket. Because of the pilot’s difficulty in maintaining a steady hover, the basket was frequently torn from his grasp. After each pick up, Petty Officer Yoder swam back against tremendous resistance to reach the others. Near exhaustion, he loaded the last survivor, then, just as he hooked up, a huge wave buried him, then flung him violently as it passed. At that moment, the stainless steel rescue cable parted halfway through its diameter. Fortunately, the remaining strands held. Petty Officer Yoder’s actions, skill, and valor were instrumental in the rescue of three 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.