The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] John Joseph Cadigan, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on December 21, 1964 while serving as boat officer of the pulling boat of the U.S.C.G.C. ROCKAWAY [WHEC-377] engaged in rescuing four persons from the SS SMITH VOYAGER, foundering in 20-foot seas, approximately 900 miles southeast of Bermuda. When the distressed ship radioed for help, the ROCKAWAY immediately responded. Upon arrival on scene, shortly before sunset, a boat was launched by the crew of the ROCKAWAY with Lieutenant Commander Cadigan in charge of a volunteer boat crew. With his expert skill, the boat was successfully maneuvered through 20 foot seas to a position approximately 25 feet from the derelict, whose main deck was now awash. The four survivors were then directed to jump into the water and, while grasping lines, were towed approximately 125 feet away from the ship, and assisted into the boat. This method of recovery was necessary since the SS SMITH VOYAGER was constantly drifting down on the small boat. After an hour and twenty minutes of continuous, extreme physical exertion, the boat was hoisted aboard the ROCKAWAY. Lieutenant Commander Cadigan displayed outstanding courage, skill, and initiative during this rescue operation. His unselfish actions, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.