Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate First Class

    Action Date:

    May 25, 1987

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Clifford F. Hohl, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 25 May 1987 while serving as Executive Petty Officer, U.S.C.G.C. POINT CARREW (WPB 82374). Demonstrating outstanding professional skills, Petty Officer HOHL directed deck crew operations and served as coxswain of POINT CARREW’s smallboat during two successive rescues. On two separate occasions, he transported a POINT CARREW crewmember to and from the distressed vessels under extremely hazardous wind and sea conditions, enabling the vessels to be towed to safety. Petty Officer Hohl demonstrated expert seamanship and extraordinary courage while navigating the smallboat to and from the second vessel in gale-force winds and 20-foot seas. After five attempts, despite being thrashed about wildly, he managed to get the smallboat alongside POINT CARREW, which was taking whitewater over her mast in the turbulent seas. Back onboard, Petty Officer HOHL took immediate control of deck operations. While hoisting the smallboat, POINT CARREW took a 50-degree roll, causing the deck force to lose control of the swinging smallboat. Petty Officer Hohl’s quick, decisive actions to warn his crew and order the smallboat dropped to the deck, prevented serious injuries and possible loss of life. Petty Officer Hohl demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during these rescues. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.