Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Fireman

    Action Date:

    August 13, 1967

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Fireman Arthur Loyal Ambrose, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of August 13, 1967 while serving as boat engineer on the CG-40462, engaged in the perilous rescue of four persons, two of whom were trapped inside a capsized pleasure craft, in the vicinity of Clatsop Spit on the Columbia River, Ilwaco, Washington. The CG-40462, on safety patrol outside the bar, arrived within minutes, maneuvered alongside the overturned boat, rescued the two persons clinging to the top, and learned that two others were trapped inside. Fireman Ambrose unhesitatingly entered the 55o water in six-foot breaking swells. When all attempts to right the boat failed, Fireman Ambrose and another Coast Guardsman made repeated dives under the pleasure craft and, although hampered by entangling fish lines and fouled life preserves, removed the victims. A man, suffering from shock, was placed in the rescue basket of a helicopter on-scene. Fireman Ambrose and his companion then returned and extricated a woman who had lost consciousness. While awaiting the helicopter basket, Fireman Ambrose began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the survivor. Fireman Ambrose demonstrated initiative, fortitude and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His un-selfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.