The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Engineman Third Class Russell Bernard Dixon, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for heroism on March 25, 1965 while serving aboard the CG-44324 when he assisted in the rescue of two persons from peril on Bodega Rock in Bodega Bay, California. The CG-44324 was dispatched from Bodega Bay Station and upon arrival on the scene located two men, one injured, stranded on a the rock with 12 foot seas and 30 knot winds buffeting them. The men, who were the only survivors of a capsized outboard boat, had been washed onto the rock and were unable to help themselves due to shock and exposure. Dixon and another Coast Guardsman, dressed in wet suits, immediately jumped from the CG-44324 and swam 30 yards through heavy surf to Bodega Rock with lifejackets for the survivors. With the assistance of a civilian swimmer, Dixon then swam from Bodega Rock back to the CG-44324 towing the injured man on a rubber mattress. The man was then transferred to the U.S.C.G.C. CAPE HEDGE [WPB-95311] and subsequently to shore for medical treatment. Dixon demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.