The Coast Guard presented a Distinguished Flying Cross medal to Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad on Dec. 12 during a ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco.
Conrad was recognized for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the aircraft commander of rescue helicopter 6562 during a rescue mission in Yolo County on Dec. 29, 2023, according to a Coast Guard release.
Following a report of two individuals stranded on a cliff, one of whom had fallen 100 feet and sustained severe injuries, Conrad and his MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew launched around midnight to the survivor’s position northwest of Sacramento.
After departure, Conrad battled convective activity and aircraft icing while navigating hazardous terrain in a winter storm, forcing an emergency landing.
During the night, land rescuers had ascended the valley wall but became trapped due to rockslides and heavy rainfall.
Launching again at first light, Conrad overcame an internal communications failure before navigating the aircraft three miles through a narrow, fog-covered valley to locate the survivors 700 feet up the canyon wall. Maneuvering into the fog bank above, he established a precision hover over the survivor’s position. While at a critical fuel state and surrounded by mere feet on three sides by overhanging rocks and trees, Conrad deployed the rescue swimmer to the cliff 200 feet below. Maintaining an exact position above the wall, he deployed the basket and recovered the severely injured survivor.
As winds began to build over the rescue site, he returned to the wall and re-established the confined hover. While operating 6562 within one percent of its maximum power output, Conrad deployed the rescue swimmer three more times, recovering the second survivor and two rescuers.
Three other members of that crew - co-pilot Lt. j.g. Thomas Smith, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Sanchez, flight mechanic and Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Romano, rescue swimmer - were previously recognized for their contributions to this rescue with Air Medals.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration that can be awarded to Coast Guard members who perform acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while flying. The DFC is the highest award in the United States for aerial achievement. It was established on July 2, 1926, and is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves since April 6, 1917.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.