Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    November 21, 1980

    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 John C. D’Ornellas, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 21 November 1980 while engaged in the rescue of the operator of a foundering fishing vessel during a serve storm, 10 miles west of the Umpqua River Bar, Oregon. Seaman D’Ornellas was a crewman on Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat 44303 dispatched from Coast Guard Station Umpqua River. The MLB arrived on scene after a punishing ride through a breaking bar, 20-foot seas and 50-knot winds. The operator and only occupant of the fishing vessel reported that his auto pilot had failed, his forward hatch cover had been displaced by seas breaking over the bow, and he was taking on water. He further stated that his vessel was listing due to a broken stabilizer pole, and that the listing had worsened due to flooding through the forward hatch. He stated that he was unable to leave the helm to receive a pump due to auto pilot failure. After numerous futile attempts by a Coast Guard helicopter to hoist a Coast Guardsman aboard, Seaman D’Ornellas volunteered to leap from the MLB to assist the hapless operator. Seaman D’Ornellas went forward to the bow of the MLB and maintained position there, enduring many breaking seas for nearly 30 minutes while the coxswain fought to reach a position form which a successful jump could be made. Following the dangerous leap to the violently pitching and rolling fishing vessel, Seaman D’Ornellas reassured the operator and went forward to secure the loose hatch cover. Once again he was engulfed by numerous breaking seas which, on several occasions, swept him completely off his feet and forced him to grasp any available object to remain aboard. The raging sea washed three pumps that were delivered by helicopter overboard before they could be secured. The forward hatch was again blown off and Seaman D’Ornellas endured the battering sea to secure it. After the vessel suffered several 90-degree rolls, breaking windows in the wheelhouse and the antenna which severed communication, Seaman D’Ornellas persuaded the operator of the fishing vessel to abandon ship with him into the turbulent ocean where they were picked up by the MLB. Seaman D’Ornellas demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.