Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Third Class

    Action Date:

    September 12, 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 Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Mark Henry Forster, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on the morning of 12 September 1971 while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the CG-253302, engaged in the perilous attempted rescue of seven persons from the waters of Coos Bay Entrance, Charleston, Oregon. Petty Officer Forster skillfully maneuvered the CG-25302 into the heavy breaking surf to rescue the seven persons from two pleasure craft which had capsized in the 10- to 12-foot breaking seas along the Coos Bay South Jetty, but even with this gallant effort his boat was finally capsized by a 12-foot breaking swell. Upon surfacing alongside the CG-253302, Petty Officer Forster struggled to the keel and from this position, though pounded by the turbulent surf, maintained visual contact with the victims and direct approaching rescue boats to the survivors. When his capsized craft was being carried towards the rocks, Petty Officer Forster and his crewman swam to the Jetty and continued assisting the rescue boats in their efforts. Petty Officer Forster demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in the spite of imminent personal danger during the entire rescue operation. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.