The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Petty Officer First Class Eugene W. Beach, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 5 December 1993 while assigned as crewmember aboard utility boat Commanding General-41311, U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, Maryland. The crew responded to a distress call from the fishing vessel EL TORO II, a charter vessel with 23 persons on board, that was sinking approximately four nautical miles off Point Lookout, Maryland. Braving frigid temperatures, seven-to nine-foot seas, gale force winds, and limited visibility, Petty Officer Beach, without hesitation or regard for his own well being, voluntarily entered the life raft launched from the utility boat, and rescued three men who were clinging desperately to the partially submerged pilot house of the EL TORO II. Petty Officer Beach made several attempts to pass the men a heaving line before one man was able to grab it in spite of his hypothermic state. Immediately recovering the heaving line after reaching the victims, Petty Officer Beach carefully guided each one into the raft. When the coxswain had to quickly maneuver to avoid collision with the sinking vessel, the added weight caused the sea painter to part. Maintaining his composure, he made a diving catch for the heaving line thrown from the utility boat. Upon recovery of all survivors, he demonstrated extreme compassion towards a critically hypothermic person by using his own body to warm him until he could be airlifted. Petty Officer Beach demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.