The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Anthony C. Hanson, Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 2 July 1967 while serving as Combat Aircrewman aboard a Search and Rescue Helicopter embarked in U.S.S. Reeves (DLG-24). When the helicopter rescue of a wounded U. S. Air Force pilot, downed by hostile fire, was rendered impossible due to extensive jungle growth, Petty Officer Hanson, with full knowledge that enemy ground forces were closing the rescue scene, descended 150 feet from his helicopter to the wounded pilot, disengaged the latter from his parachute and, after carrying the downed airman one hundred yards through the dense undergrowth, fastened him to the hoisting equipment and guided him into the hovering helicopter. By his heroic action and fearless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Hanson was directly instrumental in saving a life. His inspiring efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.