The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Coast Guard Medal (Posthumously) to Aviation Survivalman James G. Caines, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the evening of 8 June 1997 while serving as rescue swimmer aboard Coast Guard HH-65-A helicopter, CGNR 6549. The aircrew was engaged in the perilous rescue of five survivors from the Canadian-registered sailing vessel EZARA II which was disabled 57 miles west of Cape Mendocino, California. Two helicopters and the Coast Guard cutter U.S.C.G.C. EDISTO [WPB-1313] responded from Group/Air Station Humboldt Bay to a distress call from the sailboat. A rudder casualty made the vessel difficult to control in turbulent conditions, which included 20-foot seas and winds of more than 45 knots. With weather deteriorating and seas building to 25-feet and higher, the EZRA II was knocked down four or five times. After the sailboat was hit broadside by a wave, knocking out cabin windows and causing injury to the crew, the master and crew of four abandoned their vessel and entered their life raft. Helicopter 6549 arrived on scene with EDISTO and made preparations to approach the raft. During the helicopter’s instrument-guided approach to a hover, sight and communications were lost. After immediate efforts to contact and locate the aircraft and its crew yielded no response, EDISTO maneuvered alongside the raft and was able to recover the crew of EZRA II. As the rescue swimmer aboard the helicopter, Petty Officer Caines willingly encountered extreme ocean storm conditions and sacrificed his life while attempting to save the lives of five persons from the disable sailing vessel. Petty Officer Caines 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.