The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Port Securityman Third Class Brian P. Baker, United States Coast Guard Reserve, for heroism on the night of 30 August 1991 while serving as a crewmember of Utility Boat CG-41439. During this period, Petty Officer Baker was engaged in maintaining a safety zone around a barge being used as a platform for a fireworks display at Northeast Harbor, Maine. During the display, sparks from the launched fireworks ignited stockpiled pyrotechnics on the deck of the barge, resulting in a tremendous explosion. The explosion forced three persons into the water; another person was apparently unconscious and was ablaze, and a fifth person, remained on the barge, sheltered behind a 55-gallon drum. Petty Officer Baker immediately grabbed a heaving line to throw to the men in the water as CG-41439 maneuvered closer to the burning barge. He successfully pulled one of the victims onto the small boat and then, without regard to his own safety, leaped onboard the still burning barge to assist in rescuing two persons and bringing them aboard CG-41439. He then went to the bow of the boat and was manning the fire monitor when a second, more powerful explosion occurred. Petty Officer Baker was fully exposed to the blast and was thrown backwards onto the boat’s superstructure, sustaining burns and wounds to his legs and face, a laceration on his hand, and bruises to his body. He remained alert and coherent as CG-41439 proceeded to Northeast Harbor where medical authorities were waiting. Petty Officer Baker demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.