Page 5 - DFCS News Magazine Summer 2013

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Edward L. Feightner for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron Eight, attached to the U.S.S. Bunker Hill, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from February 1, 1942 to July 21, 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Feightner contributed materially to the success of his squadron and to the inflic-
tion of damage on the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of anti-aircraft fire wTere in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
he President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to
Lieutenant Junior Grade Edward L. Feightner for heroism and extraordinary achievement while par- ticipating in aerial flight while serving with Fighting Squadron Ten, attached to the U.S.S. Enterprise, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from October 26, 1942 to January 30, 1943. Participating in numerous flights throughout the far-flung battle area, Ensign Feightner pressed home his attacks with bold determination and courageous disregard for his own personal safety. In the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, he destroyed one hostile dive bomber and probably destroyed a torpedo plane. As a member of a combat patrol on January 30, he bravely intercepted twelve torpedo bombers attacking the U.S.S. Chicago and, despite fierce opposition, shot down three. His superb airmanship and aggressive fTighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
he President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished
Flying Cross to Lieutenant Edward L. Feightner for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based fighter airplane assigned to a fighter sweep against aircraft and installations in the vicinity of Formosa on 12 October 1944. He personally shot down and destroyed three enemy fighter airplanes thus contributing materi- ally to the success of the operation. His skill, coolness and courage were at all times in keep- ing with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Edward L. Feightner is also an Fighter Ace with nine (9) kills.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Petty Officer Martin H. Nelson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 31 August to 3 September 2005 during Hurricane Katrina rescue operations. Demonstrating exceptional aeronautical skill and superlative physical stamina, Chief Petty Officer Nelson served as Rescue Swimmer on repeated sorties aboard HH-65 helicopters in a challenging urban dis- aster environment. On the night of 31 August, Chief Petty Officer Nelson deployed to an unimaginable scene of chaos, where 200 desperate survivors suffering from three days of severe exposure to intense heat, lacking food and water, congregated on
the roof of a school, demanding evacuation. Undaunted by the disorder, he quickly took charge and began prioritizing survivors for lift, when suddenly, he was confronted by openly hostile men. With exceptional composure, Chief Petty Officer Nelson asserted hisauthority, establishing himself as their only hope for survival and gaining their compliance. Despite nearby gun shots, visible muzzleflashes from below, and a volatile crowd, Chief Petty Officer Nelson remained on scene until survivors were saved from the perilous conditions. Follow- ing this series of fatiguing rescues, Chief Petty Officer Nelson mustered enough energy to deploy from 150 feet to a six footlanding, boxed-in by buildings, jagged debris and power lines. Recognizing the dangers, he competed three demanding direct deployments, each time protect- ing the survivors by using his own body as a shield from the potentially deadly
hazards. On 2 September, Chief Petty Officer Nelson deployed to assist another rescue swimmer evacuating survivors from the top of a slippery dome-shaped structure. This terrifying situation was created after an armed mob raided the building and forced the survivors to the roof. With the gang lurking below, Chief Petty Officer Nelson shuttled 60 survivors along the dome to awaiting aircraft, barely maintaining a foothold while fighting against intense rotor wash. His ac- tions, aeronautical skill, and valor were instrumental in rescue of 90 storm vic- tims. 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.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in present- ing the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) William H. Rogers for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron Thirty, attached to the USS Belleauwood, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Tokyo, the Ryukyu
Islands and Nansei Shoto from February 16 to April 13, 1945. Completing his twen- tieth mission against enemy shipping, airfields and installations, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, (then Ensign) Rogers pressed home the attacks and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the enemy. His airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Page 5 The Distinguished Flying Cross News