The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class David Phillip Birchcrest, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 19 February 1964, while serving as a volunteer swimmer aboard the U.S.C.G.C. COOS BAY [WHEC-376] engaged in the rescue of survivors from the foundering British merchant vessel AMBASSADOR, approximately 400 miles south southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Upon arrival of the COOS BAY at the scene, the Search and Rescue team was mustered. Birchcrest immediately volunteered for swimmer duty as the COOS BAY was maneuvered in hazardous proximity to the AMBASSADOR. The COOS BAY made approaches close aboard the stricken freighter, removing two men at a time, by hauling them on a line through the sea. On one approach, a survivor was hauled to the embarkation net. The man was completely exhausted from the ordeal and became hopelessly entangled in the net. Three swimmers in the water at the net tried in vain to free him. Birchcrest, on deck, noticed the grave plight of the man and, without thought for his own safety, scrambled over the rail with a knife in his teeth. Reaching the water, he cut the man free and secured a line to him. The seaman was hauled aboard in an almost unconscious condition but resuscitative measures subsequently proved successful. Birchcrest demonstrated initiative, and fortitude, in spite of extreme personal danger during this rescue, and his actions most certainly saved the man’s life. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.