The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Kenneth L. Fisch, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while serving as Officer-in-Charge, U.S.C.G.C. POINT CARREW (WPB 82374) during two successive rescues in the Pacific Ocean off the California Coast on 25 May 1987. Responding to a distress signal from a sailing vessel with a broken rudder, Master Chief Petty Officer Fisch placed one of his crewmembers aboard the foundering vessel to take it in tow. Although the rescue was complicated by 15- to 20-foot following seas and wind gusts of more than 50 knots, Master Chief Petty Officer FISCH skillfully navigated a hazardous harbor entrance in heavy traffic and safely moored the sailing vessel. An hour later, despite extreme fatigue, he recalled his crews to assist a 22-foot vessel foundering in 20- to 25-foot seas. Master Chief Petty Officer FISCH skillfully coordinated the launch and subsequent retrieval of POINT CARREW’s smallboat, even as whitewater broke over the POINT CARREW’s mast. As darkness fell, the distressed vessel began to take on water and break up. Undaunted, Master Chief Petty Officer Fisch initiated a rendezvous with a nearby tug and barge and brought the endangered vessel alongside for a risky transfer of it s crew. As the rescue progressed, the vessels surged apart, causing a boy to fall into the turbulent water. Instantaneously, the POINT CARREW rolled severely, enabling a crewman to lean into the water, grab the boy, and pull him to the rail. The boy was brought aboard seconds before the vessels slammed together in the heavy seas. Although several injuries were sustained, everyone was safely rescued. Master Chief Petty Officer Fisch’s courage, professionalism, superb shiphandling, and his extraordinary leadership resulted in the successful handing of these two daring rescues under extremely hazardous weather conditions. He demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent danger. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.