The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Fred G. Ellinwood, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 31 July 1974 while serving aboard the Atlantic Strike Team, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, when he assisted in the rescue of survivors following the crash of a Navy aircraft into the upholstery shop, inhabited by 23 employees, on U.S. Coast Guard Air Base, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Petty Officer Ellinwood was present in the upholstery shop when the Navy aircraft sustained a mechanical malfunction during take-off and suddenly crashed into the side of the building, throwing all occupants to the floor. An explosion occurred, and a raging fire immediately engulfed the building, creating havoc in the almost totally demolished shop. After initially leaving the building, and despite the intensity of the raging fire, Petty Officer Ellinwood, without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, reentered the building to offer needed assistance in the search for survivors. Although the room was filled with dense smoke and noxious and toxic fumes, and small explosions were occurring in the vicinity of the aircraft, he remained in the room and assisted in freeing a critically injured employee. The man, located underneath the left wing of the aircraft entangled in a sewing machine bench, was removed form the wreckage. During the evacuation procedure, Petty Officer Ellinwood recognized that the man had stopped breathing and immediately began administering cardiac massage while another Coast Guardsman administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He remained at the victim’s side until arrival of medical personnel. Petty Officer Ellinwood’s remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and bravery, in spite of imminent personal danger through the mission, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United Stated Coast Guard.