The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Captain Jeffrey L. Libaire, United States Air Force, for heroism on the morning of 24 July 1984 when he rescued two survivors of a 68-foot fishing vessel aground in the surf in the Chandeleur Islands, Gulf of Mexico. Captain Libaire, along with a crewman of Coast Guard helicopter HH-3F 1845, volunteered to go into the surf and rescue the two survivors stranded on the foundering vessel. His first two attempts were unsuccessful due to the six to eight foot seas and strong rip tide. On his third attempt, Captain Libaire fought through the pounding waves and finally reached the stricken vessel. Too exhausted to pull himself onboard, Captain Libaire held onto the gunwale while persuading the survivors, who were non-swimmers, to enter a life raft. As the second man reluctantly entered the raft a large wave hit, turning the raft on top of Captain Libaire and throwing the two survivors into the water. Captain Libaire righted the life raft, swam to the survivors, brought them to the raft, and instructed them to hold onto the sides. Captain Libaire then, while pulling the raft, started swimming toward shore. After about ten feet another wave struck, separating the survivors from the life raft. Again, Captain Libaire retrieved them and with encouragement directed them to hold onto the raft. Halfway to shore, Assistance in the person of the crewman arrived to help in pulling the survivors to safety. After nearly 90 minutes in the water, Captain Libaire finally reached shore with the two survivors. Captain Libaire demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and extreme daring in spite of imminent danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United Sates Air Force and the United States Coast Guard.