The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Coast Guard Medal (Posthumously) to Seaman James L. Carignan, United States Coast Guard, for heroism at the risk of life on 3 June 1972 while serving as a crewman aboard the U.S.C.G.C. MODOC, in sacrificing his own life in an attempt to save the life of a 12-year-old girl who was in danger of drowning in the turbulent surf off Charleston, Oregon. He swam out into the eight-foot surf in an attempt to reach the drowning girl. In that heroic effort he became physically exhausted in the strong surf and heavy undertow and was unable to assist the girl or save himself. Seaman Carignan’s exemplary courage, fortitude and intrepidity while sacrificing his own life, reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.