Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Machinery Technician First Class

    Action Date:

    June 3, 1975

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Machinery Technician First Class Ronald A. Henderson, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the evening of 3 June 1975 while on authorized liberty from Coast Guard Organized Reserve Training Center, Miami Beach, Florida, when he rescued a man from a burning apartment at Miami Beach, Florida. Petty Officer Henderson, a resident of the apartment complex, was awakened by a commotion and upon arrival at the scene was informed of a fire in an upstairs apartment. After repeated attempts to determine the presence of occupants in the apartment failed due to the general state of confusion among other residents, Petty Officer Henderson immediately returned to his apartment to obtain a fire extinguisher and then proceeded directly to the scene of the fire which by now appeared to have completely engulfed the upstairs apartment. The fire extinguisher was expended to no avail. Realizing that time was of the essence, Petty Officer Henderson entered the apartment to search for possible occupants but was forced to retreat on three separate occasions due to the intense flames and smoke. Undaunted, Petty Officer Henderson proceeded to a rear entrance and was immediately confronted with extremely heavy smoke which made visual investigation nearly impossible. With great determination, he then commenced a search of the apartment with the flames from the raging fire providing the only source of light. Upon entering a rear bedroom, Petty Officer Henderson located a man, who appeared unconscious, crouched in a far corner. Attempts to remove the man were met with great resistance, as it became apparent that he was heavily intoxicated. Faced with the ever-increasing danger of the rapidly advancing fire, Petty Officer Henderson subdued the victim and carried him to safety. Reaching the rear entrance, they were met by another resident who, being a doctor, administered first aid to the victim. Until the arrival of the doctor on scene, Petty Officer Henderson acted single-handedly in combating the fire and rescuing the hapless victim. Petty Officer Henderson 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.