Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Electrician’s Mate Third Class

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1971

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Electrician’s Mate Third Class Jack Louis Eppert, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the night of 13 September 1971 as coxswain of Coast Guard skiff CG-121505 engaged in the perilous rescue of six victims of the Perkiomen Creek flood in Montgomery County near Lower Indian Head Road in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Petty Officer Eppert immediately volunteered as coxswain and accompanied by another Coast Guardsman hurried to the scene where heavy rains had caused flash flooding of the creek to an estimated 15 to 18 feet above normal with currents of 10 to 15-knots. Upon arrival he launched a skiff from a truck and skillfully maneuvered through the flood waters, around trees and live power cables, to a house where four people were trapped on the rooftop and two more were stranded in trees. Despite darkness, with only a flashlight and candles held by the victims, Petty Officer Eppert and his companion rescued three persons and took them to safety. They quickly returned to remove the two remaining victims from the roof along with a man found in a tree behind the house. En route to shore the outboard motor failed and the boat broached in the rushing waters and was swept into a telephone pole. The five occupants were thrown into the cold water and struggled to remain with the boat for three hours. During this time Petty Officer Eppert aided and comforted the victims and kept signaling for assistance with a flashlight until help arrived. Petty Officer Eppert demonstrated unusual initiative, exceptional fortitude, and heroic daring in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire mission. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.