Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    April 8, 1966

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Lieutenant Albert Charles Buechler, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on April 8, 1966 while serving on board the U.S.C.G.C. COOK INLET [WHEC-384], when he boarded the burning and abandoned Norwegian passenger vessel VIKING PRINCESS to search for 40 missing survivors. When advised of the disaster, the COOK INLET departed Guantanamo Bay to assist the Norwegian ship, afire in the vicinity of Windward Passage. Upon arrival, finding the ship burning violently and apparently abandoned, Lieutenant Buechler promptly volunteered as member of a boarding party to search the vessel for survivors. Despite dense smoke and head so intense that patches of paint on the outside were bursting into flame, he boarded and assisted in searching all accessible spaces above and below decks, including the infirmary area and crew quarters. The boarding party remained aboard the hulk for more than 20 minutes, executing a vigorous search until ascertaining that there was practically no chance that any living survivor remained aboard the VIKING PRINCESS. Thereafter, when warned that the fire was advancing under them on the lower decks, the boarding party withdrew. Lieutenant Buechler demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.