The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Larry Allen Hicks, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 17 August 1969 while serving as coxswain of the CG-22316, engaged in the perilous rescue of four men from a capsized pleasure craft on the Nehalem River Bar, Wheeler, Oregon. Petty Officer Hicks skillfully maneuvered the CG-22316 into the heavy breaking surf to rescue the men trapped under the capsized boat and those clinging to its sides. After pulling one survivor aboard, he assisted another Coast Guard rescue boat in retrieving another man. Displaying exceptional courage and skill, he maneuvered his vessel to shield the capsized boat form the breaking surf and assisted the Coast Guardsman in the water who was reassuring the trapped men during the perilous passage through the breakers to safety. Petty Officer Hicks demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring to save the lives of these four men. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.