The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Steven J. Hoagland, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the evening of 7 September 1989 when he rescued two survivors trapped inside a cabin cruiser which capsized in 10-foot seas near Great Egg Inlet, New Jersey. Dispatched to assist the distressed vessel, Seaman Hoagland arrived on scene to find two survivors clinging to the overturned hull, with a woman and a 5-year-old boy trapped inside. As commercial divers were summoned to assist in the rescue, Seaman Hoagland entered the water to establish communications with the victims trapped inside. He learned that a 4-foot air pocket, which provided the victims air to breathe, was decreasing rapidly. As the air pocket diminished to only one and one-half feet, the overturned vessel drifted toward the surf line and sure disaster. Informed that the commercial divers were still 15 minutes from arrival, and knowing that the victims would soon drown, Seaman Hoagland courageously volunteered to attempt the rescue. Disregarding his own safety, he entered the cabin and located the victims. Surfacing for air, he returned to find that the boy would not let go of the woman. Undaunted, he dove again into the heaving hulk, and wrenched the frightened child free. Seaman Hoagland then returned for the woman, only to have her become entangled in debris. Displaying remarkable courage and composure, he calmly freed her, and, by his heroic action, saved two lives. Seaman Hoagland demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.