A Coast Guard helicopter pilot received the Distinguished Flying Cross this month for his work commanding an hours-long rescue operation in late 2023 to save four people stranded at a canyon.

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.

Cmdr. James Fennessey, an Air Station Miami MH-65 helicopter pilot, said in a release. Because of the rough waters, the Coast Guard used a helicopter to hoist Baricklow from the rocks. He was ...