Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Third Class

    Action Date:

    June 16, 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 Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Floyd Thomas Coriell, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of June 16, 1966 while serving as Officer in Charge of CG-40394, engaged in rescue operations following the collision between the British tanker ALVA CAPE and the American tanker TEXACO MASSACHUSETTS off Bergen Point, New Jersey. Naphtha escaping from the ALVA CAPE exploded and ignited, engulfing both vessels in flames and blinding smoke. Crew members from both ships jumped into the water. Although the possibility of additional explosions was acute and flames were on the water, Petty Officer Coriell backed his boat into the holocaust, located and rescued a severely burned unconscious man floating in the water between the vessels which were only 25 feet apart. After the survivor was removed by helicopter, Petty Officer Coriell resumed search operations alongside the burning vessels and further assisted in fighting the fire. Petty Officer Coriell demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Untied States Coast Guard.