Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Electronics Technician Second Class

    Action Date:

    February 12, 1962

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Electronics Technician Second Class Jack Warren Champion, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for heroism, on the afternoon of February 12, 1962, when he attempted to rescue a man from drowning off the West Coast of Molokai Island, Hawaiian Islands. The victim was one of a party of three Coast Guardsmen engaged in recreational swimming. When Champion, who was on duty at the Coast Guard Loran Transmitting Station, Molokai, was informed that one of them was in difficulty, he immediately ran to the scene. Disregarding his own safety, he jumped into the turbulent water and swam out to assist one of the other swimmers struggling to keep the unconscious man afloat. While progressing toward shore, a large wave separated them and Champion was left alone to handle the helpless man. However, further water turbulence caused him to lose his grip on the man who then sank beneath the surface of the water. Although he dived repeatedly in an attempt to find him, his efforts were unsuccessful, and he had to abandon his attempts and swim for his own safety to some nearby rocks which were being pounded by heavy surf and clung there precariously for approximately twenty-five minutes until rescued by a helicopter. Champion demonstrated initiative and fortitude, in spite of constant and imminent personal danger during this attempted rescue. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.