Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Survivalman First Class

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1991

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Survivalman First Class Steven R. Frye, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism while serving as rescue swimmer aboard Coast Guard helicopter HH-3F CGNR 1484 on the evening of 1 April 1991. The aircrew was engaged in the perilous rescue of two men trapped at the base of jagged rock cliffs along the San Francisco coast. With no escape route and a rapidly rising tide, the survivors were swept into a rocky crevasse where they were being battered by eight to 10-foot breaking waves. In approaching darkness, Petty Officer Frye was deployed from the helicopter into the dangerous seas. Immediately upon entering the water, he was swept into a rock crevasse near the survivors. He swam through the rocky coastline waters in heavy surf to reach the survivors, and despite sustaining injuries to himself while being driven into the rocks and under water numerous times, he continued to persevere. Upon reaching the victims, he quickly assessed their condition and prepared to transport one nearly lifeless survivor back through the surf to a position where he could be hoisted to safety. Fully aware of the risk involved and nearing physical exhaustion, Petty Office Frye went on to complete the rescue of the second survivor. Petty Officer Frye demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.