Ronald Davies graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, Class of 1964. He retired as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain.
Ronald Davies graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, Class of 1964. He retired as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Ronald Judge Davies, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on April 8, 1966 while serving on board the U.S.C.G.C. COOK INLET [WHEC-384] when he boarded the burning and abandoned Norwegian passenger vessel VIKING PRINCESS in search for 40 missing survivors. When advised of the disaster, the COOK INLET departed Guantanamo Bay to assist the Norwegian ship, afire in the vicinity of Windward Passage. Upon arrival, finding the ship burning violently and apparently abandoned, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davies promptly volunteered as member of a boarding party to search the vessel for survivors. Despite dense smoke and heat so intense that patches of paint on the outside were bursting into flame, he boarded and assisted in searching all accessible spaces above and below decks, including the infirmary area and crew quarters. The boarding party remained aboard the flaming hulk for more than 20 minutes, executing a vigorous search until ascertaining that there was practically no chance that any living survivor remained aboard the VIKING PRINCESS. Thereafter, when warned that the fire was advancing under them on the lower decks, the boarding party withdrew. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Davies demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish action, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Untied States Coast Guard.