The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Robert Joseph Youngblood, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 28 June 1966 while serving as Officer in Charge of CG-40451, engaged in rescue operations following explosions aboard the damaged British tanker ALVA CAPE anchored in Gravesend Bay, New York. While pumping operations were in progress to remove naphtha from the tanker, an explosion rocked the ALVA CAPE and fire spread over the vessel. A man was sighted hanging by one arm from the railing of one of the barges alongside the ALVA CAPE. Petty Officer Youngblood, then a Seaman, maneuvered the CG-40451 alongside the man who jumped and was caught by crew members. Moments later, another explosion shook the damaged tanker, hurling the officer in charge of a New York City fireboat into the water. Petty Officer Youngblood immediately headed the CG-40451 toward the man, and despite a further explosion, searing heat and leaping flames, reached the fireman who was wearing boots and a heavy coat and pulled him aboard. Petty Officer Youngblood demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and courage in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United Sates Coast Guard.