Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad Earns Top Honor for Canyon Rescue Amid Winter Storm

Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad of the United States Coast Guard has received the Distinguished Flying Cross for spearheading a daring rescue effort on December 29, 2023, in Yolo County, California. Conrad and his MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew overcame extreme weather, mechanical issues, and low fuel to rescue four persons stranded in a canyon during a winter storm.

The rescue attempt began when two adolescents were reported injured and stranded, one at the bottom of a 100-foot drop and the other on a cliff. Complications escalated when a ground-based rescue squad attempting to aid were caught by a rockslide.

Conrad flew the helicopter into the canyon, navigating tight gaps with precision, despite the freezing conditions and fog. Despite low fuel and heavy gusts, the crew successfully launched rescue swimmer Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Romano to recover the survivors one at a time. Over the course of four descents, the crew rescued the injured youths as well as the stranded ground personnel.

"This mission exemplifies the bravery and skill of our service members," said Capt. Christopher Huberty, Commander of Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco.

In addition to Conrad's Distinguished Flying Cross, crew mates Lt. j.g. Thomas Smith, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Sanchez, and Romano were awarded Air Medals for their participation in the operation. The award ceremony, held on December 12, recognized the team's exceptional achievement and gallantry during the aerial rescue.

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