Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Dave Edwards, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 11 July 1979 when he rescued a young girl from drowning in the turbulent surf off Fogarty Creek State Park, Oregon. When notified that several persons were caught in the surf, Petty Officer EDWARDS, Officer of the Day at Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Oregon, organized a beach rescue party consisting of two other Coast Guardsmen and himself. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered that all of the persons were safely ashore except for one girl who was foundering approximately 100-yards offshore in the midst of dangerously sharp rocks and pounding breakers. Reacting immediately, Petty Officer EDWARDS and a fellow Coast Guardsman plunged into the violent surf and fought their way through the continuous rows of breakers against the heavy undertow. Upon reaching the now unconscious girl, Petty Officer EDWARDS initiated mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while struggling to keep himself and the girl afloat. As he started toward the beach, the other Coast Guardsman assisted him in fighting through the merciless breakers to a Zodiac that had been towed halfway from the beach by other persons. Petty Officer EDWARDS lifted the girl into the Zodiac and continued mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as the boat was towed to the beach. Reaching the beach, the helpless girl was turned over to an awaiting ambulance crew for treatment for hypothermia. Petty Officer EDWARDS 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.

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Second Class

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1979
    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Dave Edwards, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 1 February 1979 when he assisted in the rescue of two men from drowning in the treacherous surf off the Siletz River Bar, Oregon. Shortly after crossing the bar into the Pacific Ocean, the 24-foot dory the two men were in began to break up. After transmitting a Mayday, they were forced to abandon the vessel. Upon notification of the sinking, Petty Officer Edwards, and the Officer-in-Charge of U.S. Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Oregon, loaded the station’s rubber Zodiac on a trailer and hastily proceeded to the scene. Petty Officer Edwards then assisted in launching the Zodiac into the shallow water of Siletz Bay. Following directions from the beach party on a portable radio, the Zodiac was skillfully maneuvered through three lines of breaking eight-foot surf to the debris from the battered dory. The cold and exhausted men were quickly located and recovered from the water. While the victims were being pulled on board, the Zodiac’s motor stopped. As the Zodiac drifted at the mercy of the relentless breakers, several attempts were made to start the motor. After several anxious moments, the motor was restarted and the little craft was maneuvered back through the pounding surf to the beach where the victims were transferred to an awaiting ambulance. Petty Officer Edwards 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.