Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1974

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman George A. Delzell, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the afternoon of 29 May 1974 while serving aboard CG-40461, a Coast Guard utility boat assigned to Coast Guard Group, New Orleans, when he rescued a 38-year old man from drowning in the treacherous currents of the Mississippi River at New Orleans, Louisiana. The utility boat had been directed to the scene in response to a call concerning an attempted suicide at the Hess Terminal. Upon arrival on scene, Seaman Delzell observed a man in the water clinging to the barge with one hand and holding a knife with the other. Skillfully using a boat hook, Seaman Delzell disarmed the man and then attempted to pull him into the utility boat. However, the man struggled frantically to escape, broke free, and disappeared beneath the surface of the water. Without hesitation, Seaman Delzell immediately jumped into the treacherous currents of the Mississippi River in an attempt to locate the man and was instantly swept underneath the rake of the barge. In the turbulent waters beneath the barge, Seaman Delzell finally located the victim and succeeded in bringing him to the surface. The man continued his struggle to escape and extricate himself from Seaman Delzell’s grasp, but to no avail, as he was held fast until the CG-40461 was maneuvered alongside to provide assistance in the rescue. During the ensuring 30 minutes the crew of the CG-40461 worked diligently, encountering great difficulty due to the extremely emotional state of the victim, before they finally succeeded in subduing him and getting him aboard the utility boat. During the entire period, Seaman Delzell managed to keep the struggling man afloat and his head out of the water. Seaman Delzell demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent danger in this rescue mission. His unselfish action, and unwavering devotion to duty were instrumental in saving a life and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.