Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate First Class

    Action Date:

    January 20, 1974

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Wayne Marvin Bauer, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the evening of 20 January 1974 while serving as coxswain of motor lifeboat CG-44331, assigned to Coast Guard Station Umpqua River at Winchester Bay, Oregon, engaged in the perilous rescue of three persons from the heavy-laden fishing vessel HOLMES which had attempted to cross the Umpqua Entrance Bar. The HOLMES, one of five fishing vessels returning with a cargo of crabs, after waiting for a temporary calm, was entering the river when she was overtaken by a series of 10 to 12-foot breakers and rendered inoperative. As the turbulent surf swung the fishing boat around to the south side of the South Jetty, she was slammed violently and repeatedly against the jetty and the cabin and steering gear were smashed. The CG-44331 was on bar patrol because of the hazardous bar conditions when Petty Officer Bauer observed the HOLMES taking the large breaking sea and being veered sharply to starboard, ultimately crashing into the jetty. Perceiving the imminent danger to the fishermen, he immediately proceeded through the breakers; skillfully maneuvered the 44-foot lifeboat through the jetty breakers alongside the crippled vessel; and returned to Umpqua Station with the survivors where they were treated for hypothermia and released without injuries. Petty Officer Bauer’s initiative and courageous actions contributed to saving the lives of the three-man-crew. His unselfishness and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.