The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Michael W. Hicks, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the evening of 1 October 1979 while serving as the search and rescue aircrewman of Coast Guard HH-52A 1383 engaged in the perilous rescue of 3 persons who were thrown into the surf when their 14-foot boat capsized at Lost Creek Beach near Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Alerted by Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, the helicopter, which was at Newport, Oregon on another mission, quickly scrambled and arrived on scene within minutes. While conducting a search for the survivors, the aircrew received a report from the beach party that 2 of the 3 victims had struggled ashore. Utilizing vectors from the Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay beach Party, the search area was adjusted for current. Shortly thereafter, Petty Officer HICKS spotted the victim floating face-down in the surf. The aircraft commander decided against a water landing due to the 8 to 12-foot breaking surf. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Petty Officer Hicks, already wearing an exposure suit, volunteered to enter the frigid, 48-degree water from the hovering helicopter. After entering the water, he was able to recover the unconscious victim and struggle ashore despite the adverse water conditions. On the beach, with the surf breaking around him, Petty Officer Hicks immediately began administering emergency aid to the victim. When the shore party arrived and placed the victim on a resuscitator, Petty Officer Hicks monitored the victim’s vital signs. As the victim was being prepared for loading into the helicopter, his heart stopped. Petty Officer Hicks immediately commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation while the victim was loaded into the aircraft and continued the exhausting CPR throughout the trip to the hospital. Upon relief of the patient, Petty Officer Hicks was himself treated for exposure. Petty Officer Hicks 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.