The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Richard E. Cortez, II, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 12 January 1987 while serving with a rescue party at the entrance to Humboldt Bay near Eureka, California. On that day, two persons who were viewing the bay from the North Jetty were suddenly washed over the side and onto a concrete breakwater module. One victim sustained two broken legs as he was thrashed about by the raging surf. His companion, who also suffered a broken leg, was unable to help his friend. Somehow, though, he managed to escape and seek help. After receiving a report of the incident, Petty Officer Cortez and the rescue party proceeded immediately to the scene. They soon located the victim, trapped in a 42-ton interlocking module that protects the jetty from erosion. Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Petty Officer Cortez entered a 5-foot wide opening and climbed 20 feet down to reach the trapped victim, who was in danger of being crushed by the heavy surf. Petty Officer Cortez immediately removed his swimmer’s harness and placed it on the victim, who was rapidly weakening from a serous loss of blood. For 30 minutes, Petty Officer Cortez used his body to shield the victim from the surging seas and kept him comfortable, refusing to leave, even when the victim told him to save his own life. When a helicopter finally arrived, Petty Officer Cortez attached the hoisting line, and only when he was certain that the victim was hoisted to safety, did he leave his perilous position. Petty Officer Cortez demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.