The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Engineman Third Class David Gerald Traub, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 11 April 1972 while serving as a member of the precommissioning detail at the United States Coast Guard Patrol Coquille River, Bandon, Oregon, when he assisted in the rescue of two survivors from the fishing vessel EVA-JACK which capsized crossing the bar throwing her five occupants into the 52-degree water. One woman passenger with her dog boarded a rapidly deflating raft, while the four men remained on the hull, which was awash. Upon sighting the accident, and aware that the vessel was sinking, Petty Officer Traub immediately proceeded to the boat basin; alerted the fishing vessels SELMA and HALCO, and volunteered as a crew member of the SELMA. The boats were maneuvered on-scene in the turbulent waters near the capsized hull of the EVA-JACK, which sank shortly after the four men were rescued. During the recovery of one survivor, the rescuer lost his balance and fell over the stern of the SELMA. Petty Officer Traub quickly grasped the man by the ankles and assisted him and the survivor aboard the boat. When the victim frantically advised that a woman was adrift in the area on a sinking life raft, Petty Officer Traub searched, sighted her approximately a mile away, and directed the SELMA to her position. However, as the vessel was unable to maneuver close to the woman, Petty Officer Traub, without hesitation, secured a line from the deck and dived into the water. He grasped the woman, who was still holding her dog, reaching her as she was sinking with only one hand visible above the water, brought her back to the SELMA, and assisted in treating the two victims for shock while en route to shore. Petty Officer Traub demonstrated unusual initiative, exceptional fortitude, and heroic daring in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire mission. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.