The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Machinery Technician Second Class Jeffrey A. Kleuskens, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 18 and 19 December 1978 while engaged in providing assistance to the fishing vessel ELIZABETH R, which was taking on water and in danger of sinking approximately 25-miles southeast of Beach Haven Inlet, New Jersey. Upon notification that the vessel was taking on water, Petty Officer Kleuskens was dispatched as a crewman of Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat CG-44355. After a four and one-half hour transit through seas in excess of 25-feet with winds exceeding 50-knots, CG-44355 arrived on scene and found ELIZABETH R foundering in heavy seas and unable to control the flooding. Realizing the danger to the crew of the stricken vessel, Petty Officer Kleuskens assisted in formulating an effective method for delivering a salvage pump. As the Motor Lifeboat was brought alongside ELIZABETH R a towline was successfully passed. Then a floatable pump was shackled to the towline and successfully passed to ELIZABETH R. The towline was subsequently disconnected due to the sea conditions. CG-44355 remained on scene throughout the night despite deteriorating weather conditions and monitored the pump operations on ELIZABETH R. As the night progressed, CG-44355 began to experience fuel problems with the port engine. At first light CG-44355 was relieved by U.S.C.G.C. POINT BATAN [WPB-82340]. Proceeding towards shore, the coxswains and engineers alternated working hand-operated fuel pumps for the port engine. Finally, after 18-hours underway and over 60-miles of transit through terrible weather conditions, CG-44355 was maneuvered into a lee near Barnegat Inlet and relieved. Petty Officer Kleuskens demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during this mission. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.