The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Aviation Survivalman Larry E. Farmer, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 31 July 1974 while serving as the Survival Equipment Specialist aboard the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, when he assisted in the rescue of survivors and in the fire fighting operations following the crash of a Navy aircraft into a building inhabited by 23 employees. Petty Officer Farmer was working in the upholstery shop, on an aircraft overhaul problem, when the Navy aircraft sustained a mechanical malfunction during take-off and suddenly crashed into the side of the building, throwing the occupants to the floor. An explosion occurred and a raging fire immediately engulfed the building, creating havoc in the almost totally demolished shop. Despite the hazardous threat of a disastrous jet fuel fire and numerous chemical explosions, Petty Officer Farmer heroically began searching through the dense smoke and wreckage for one man who was reported missing. Following a second explosion, and with complete disregard for the great personal danger of being trapped in the holocaust, Petty Officer Farmer courageously struggled through the dense smoke and fire and miraculously located the missing man, seriously injured and unable to move. He remained at the victim’s side until help arrived to assist in evacuating him to safety. Although suffering from smoke inhalation and exhaustion, Petty Officer Farmer unhesitatingly returned to the blazing scene to search for other survivors, and when advised that all personnel from his shop were safe, quickly directed his efforts to fighting the fire. He remained in the center of activity until the holocaust was finally contained. Petty Officer Farmer’s remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring, in spite of imminent personal danger throughout this rescue mission, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.