The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Machinery Technician Third Class Kenneth Martin Foshaug, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 31 August 1973. From Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay, engaged in the rescue of five persons form the surf when their pleasure craft capsized at the entrance of the Nehalem River, Oregon. While on routine bar patrol, Petty Officer Foshaug and the boat coxswain observed a pleasure craft founder and capsize on the bar and proceeded at once to assist. Arriving on scene one minute later, four persons were located in the frigid water, clinging desperately to their overturned craft. After determining that a small girl remained unaccounted for, the rescuers began scanning the area to see if the girl had been thrown clear of the boat. When their attention was diverted by cries for help which seemed to be coming from beneath the boat, Petty Officer Foshaug immediately entered the six-foot breaking surf and dived beneath the craft in search of the victim. Unsuccessful in his first attempt, he returned to the surface for air and then once again submerged to continue his quest. On this second attempt, Petty Officer Foshaug located the girl in an air pocket and after reassuring her, pulled her out from underneath the boat and brought her to the surface. The coxswain, who had been preoccupied by helping the other survivors to safety, then assisted the girl and Petty Officer Foshaug aboard the boat. Subsequently a line was put on the pleasure craft and it was towed clear of the surf until the tow was assumed by another Coast Guard boat. Petty Officer Foshaug demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger throughout this rescue mission. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.