Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Chief Damage Controlman

    Action Date:

    December 17, 1964

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Chief Damage Controlman James Hardy Henderson, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on 17 December 1964, while serving under the Captain of the Port, Chicago, Illinois, when he boarded the flaming, grounded, Barge NDT-103, loaded with aviation gasoline, in the face of constant danger of an explosion, to direct the fire fighting parties. The disaster occurred when the motor vessel CHIEF, with a large tow of barges, collided with the New York Central Railroad Bridge located at Depue, Illinois. As a result of the collision, gasoline from one of the barges burst into flames setting the barge and the bridge on fire. Local fire fighting equipment was dispatched to the area, but none was equipped to handle a marine fire of this magnitude. Henderson, upon arrival on the scene, began directing the crews of two Coast Guard ships which were in the area. He continually exposed himself to danger above and beyond the call of duty, while calmly, steadfastly, and intelligently directing Coast Guard activities in this fire fighting operation. Despite adverse weather conditions, with near zero temperatures, he directed the fire fighting parties so that the fire was brought under control and extinguished. Henderson demonstrated initiative and fortitude in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.