The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Matthew C. Greer, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on 5 January 1980 when he assisted in the rescue of two men from the grounded barge MICHAEL F in the turbulent surf near Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. Upon notification of the grounding, Petty Officer Greer departed Coast Guard Station New Haven as coxswain of Coast Guard Motor Life Boat CG-44355 and proceeded to the scene despite heavy surf and a driving snowstorm. Arriving on scene, the barge was observed engulfed in 20-foot breakers, lying broadside to the surf, approximately 1-mile offshore. When he was informed that a desperate helicopter evacuation would be attempted, Petty Officer Greer volunteered to attempt a boat rescue. In the face of the mounting surf, Petty Officer Greer maneuvered CG-44355 to the inshore lee of the barge by tacking in and out of the surf to prevent capsizing in the shallow water. As the two crewmen, trapped in a leaking deckhouse of the 300-foot barge, were in danger of drowning, Petty Officer Greer approached the barge as two of his crewmen lashed themselves to the bow rail of CG-44355. Undaunted by the extreme peril facing him, Petty Officer Greer reached the barge on his second attempt. While he held the motor lifeboat to the side of the barge with full throttles, the trapped crewmen broke out of the deckhouse and waded through the waist-deep water. Upon reaching the barge railing, they vaulted the rail and were caught by the Coast Guard personnel tied to the bow of CG-44355. Petty Officer Greer then reversed the engines to clear the barge before the next wave hit. As the survivors were placed in the cabin of the boat, a wave approaching 25-feet lifted three-quarters of the motor lifeboat from the water and slammed it down. Despite this freak wave and the still turbulent seas, Petty Officer Greer cautiously piloted the boat seaward to safety. Petty Officer Greer demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.