The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Engineman Third Class Carl Gowler, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 28 June 1966 while serving as crewman on board the CG 40563, engaged in the perilous rescue of three persons from a capsized boat in the surf off Westport, Washington. Upon arrival, Petty Officer Gowler swam over 600 feet to assist the survivors in four to eight foot breaking surf. When he reached the boat, an adult and a small boy were hanging onto the bow of the craft. One boy carried away by the seas was rescued separately. Calmly taking charge, helping and reassuring the father and the son, Petty Officer Gowler directed the boy, who was weakening, to climb on his shoulders and wrap his arms around him. As a rescue helicopter landed in close proximity to the capsized boat, an extremely large breaker swept the adult survivor and Petty Officer Gowler away from the craft, causing the boy to be torn away from his rescuer. Petty Officer Gowler, nearing the point of exhaustion, quickly retrieved the semiconscious lad and, holding the boy’s hands together around his neck, swam to the helicopter which carried them to the safety of the beach. Petty Officer Gowler demonstrated initiative, fortitude and courage despite imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.