U.S. Coast Guard pilot honored for heroic helicopter rescue

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Coast Guard presented its highest aviation honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, to one of its pilots on Thursday for a daring rescue mission that saved two severely injured teenagers.

Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Conrad piloted the helicopter in December 2022, responding to a dangerous mission that two other agencies had declined due to severe weather and hazardous conditions. The teens were trapped 100 feet below in a canyon in Yolo County after falling off a cliff.

"We took off into a thunderstorm," Conrad said. "We had to navigate inside a gorge and deal with building winds. There were several challenging conditions we had to figure out."

After hours of effort, Conrad and his crew successfully hoisted the teenagers to safety in the middle of the night.

"There are only a few folks I know who could have done this," said Capt. Christopher Huberty of the U.S. Coast Guard. "You absolutely saved those two teenagers' lives and probably, the rescue crew that went after them. Congratulations."

Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella commended Conrad and his team for their exceptional skills under pressure. 

"It was challenge after challenge, testing the skills and leadership of Jake and his crew," he said.

Conrad, who began his Coast Guard career through a high school program in 2008 and was sworn in as an officer in 2012, offered advice for others facing challenges.

"People get in trouble when they think too far ahead of what can happen," he said. "You just have to get to a decision gate, and you make a decision... put all the pieces together, and hopefully, piece by piece you make the right decision."

Conrad’s passion for aviation stems from his early admiration of flying.

 "I came from the Top Gun era, so that played a factor," he said. "I just like flying. The art and craftsmanship, and where those two meet in the air, is unbelievable. I would do this forever if I could."

Conrad’s wife, Sara, a former Coast Guard aviator and current reservist, shares his love for flight. 

Their daughters, ages 5 and 3, already have their own flight suits and expressed dreams of becoming aviators like their parents.