The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class William R. Hoffman, United States Coast Guard, for heroism, on 7 September 1963, while serving as coxswain of the CG-44305, engaged in rescuing a woman who was trapped in the hull of an overturned cabin cruiser near Humboldt Bay, California. HOFFMAN, when advised of the accident, proceeded to the scene about 350 yards offshore in the vicinity of twenty-foot breakers. Two crewmen from the CG-36515 were already in the water attempting to dive under the boat to rescue the victim, who could be heard screaming and pounding on the hull. Hoffman immediately dived into the water and, after several attempts, succeeded in getting under the cruiser, entered the cabin and located the woman in an air pocket. As he started out the door with the hysterical woman in his grasp, she pulled free and remained in the cabin. Upon surfacing, Hoffman called for a grapnel and line from the CG-36515 and secured it to the capsized vessel. A strain was taken on the line and the cabin cruiser was righted momentarily. Hoffman and another crewman quickly freed the unconscious woman before the boat again capsized and placed her aboard the lifeboat. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was administered to the victim, while the lifeboat was en route to shore. She soon regained consciousness and was removed to a hospital. Hoffman displayed daring, fortitude, and initiative in spite of ever-present personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.