The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Lester K. Gates, United States Coast Guard, for heroism, on 7 September 1963, while serving as crewman aboard the CG-44305, engaged in rescuing a woman who was trapped in the hull of an overturned cabin cruiser near Humboldt Bay, California. Nelson, aboard the CG-44305, proceeded to the scene about 350 yards offshore in the vicinity of twenty foot breakers. Two crewmen from the CG-36515 were already in the water attempting to dive under the cruiser to rescue the victim, who could be heard screaming and pounding on the hull. Petty Officer Gates immediately dived into the water and attempted to enter the cabin cruiser. After several unsuccessful attempts, a line was secured to the capsized vessel and a strain was taken on it by the crew of the CG-36515. This temporarily righted the vessel. Petty Officer Gates and another crewman quickly removed the woman before the vessel again capsized. Aboard the lifeboat, the unconscious woman was administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. She soon regained consciousness and was removed to a hospital. Petty Officer Gates demonstrated fortitude, initiative, and daring in spite of ever-present personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.