Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Chief Boatswain’s Mate

    Action Date:

    November 12, 1981

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Richard J. Brereton, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 12 November 1981 while serving as coxswain of the rigid-hull inflation boat (RHI) from U.S.C.G.C. ALERT [WMEC-630]. On 11 and 12 November 1981 ALERT steamed through an intense storm to reach the sailing vessel HALCYON. The HALCYON had been beset by heavy seas and high winds while sailing 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina. By the time ALERT arrived the wind was over 50 knots and the seas were breaking at 30 feet. Despite these impossible conditions, Chief Petty Officer Brereton volunteered to serve as coxswain of the small boat in an attempt to rescue the HALCYON’s sole occupant. After the RHI was launched, Chief Petty Officer Brereton skillfully maneuvered the boat away from the side of ALERT while the cutter pitched and rolled perilously close to the tiny craft. Once clear of the cutter, Chief Petty Officer Brereton exhibited exemplary seamanship in guiding the RHI to HALCYON. As he was lining up for his approach to the foundering sailboat, a huge sea capsized and sank HALCYON, throwing the occupant into the sea and nearly capsizing the RHI. Reacting immediately, Chief Petty Officer Brereton maneuvered the RHI into position so that his two crewmen could pull the survivor to safety. He then guided the RHI back to the wildly tossing ALERT and positioned it to be hoisted onto the cutter. ALERT then proceeded to the scene of the sailing vessel OUR WAY. Arriving on the night of 12 November, in worse conditions than experienced at the HALCYON, Chief Petty Officer Brereton again volunteered to serve as coxswain of the RHI. The RHI was again launched and Chief Petty Officer Brereton maneuvered the boat away from ALERT to the side of the beset OUR WAY. Upon arrival, the lone occupant was found to be fatigued to near incoherence. Aside from the from the difficulties of operating in the heavy seas, Chief Petty Officer Brereton and his crew had to convince the man to leave his boat. Once convinced, the man had to be physically assisted into the RHI. The RHI was returned to ALERT where it was hoisted to safety. Chief Petty Officer Brereton demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in the rescue. His unselfish action, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.