Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    August 22, 1994

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Lawrence Beatty, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the evening of 22 August 1994 while serving as a rescue swimmer aboard U.S.C.G.C. BAINBRIDGE ISLAND (WPB 1343), during the rescue of eight people from the sport fisher LYL SYN, which was sinking in a severe storm 30 miles east of the New Jersey shore. Seven survivors were recovered clinging onto and in a small life raft. Unfortunately, one person became separated from the raft after it was hit by a 15-foot breaking wave. Seaman Beatty voluntarily entered the mounting seas in pelting rain, darkness, and 50-knot winds to assist the victim in the water. He swam 60 feet to the imperiled victim and managed to bring him back alongside the cutter, when, without warning, the cutter had to back away to avoid a collision with an oncoming merchant ship, leaving the pair several hundred feet off the bow. In the hazardous conditions, with no protection from the wind and seas, Seaman Beatty displayed uncanny bravery and presence of mind to press on in spite of the elements, assisting the 270-pound victim by keeping his head above the water. With BAINBRIDGE ISLAND rolling as much as 40 degrees in the breaking seas, Seaman Beatty’s attempts to get a line secured around the increasingly incapacitated victim proved unsuccessful. When another large swell crashed into them, forcing both the rescuer and victim under the cutter, the two became separated. In spite of the gallant efforts of Seaman Beatty, the victim submerged for the final time, and was lost at sea. Seaman Beatty 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.