Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Action Date:

    May 17, 1970

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Ensign Jon Howe Holbrook, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the evening of 28 November 1969 while serving on temporary additional duty at Coast Guard Loran Station, Palau, Western Caroline Island, engaged in the perilous rescue of a fellow officer from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. When he and another Coast Guard officer were swept from a cliff by a huge wave and thrown into the sea with eight to ten foot swells, Ensign Holbrook saw that his companion was caught under a sharp coral ledge and was unable to escape. Recognizing the exhausted condition of his companion, Ensign Holbrook tried to pull him to safety but another huge wave threw them into the sea. Ensign Holbrook, while suffering multiple lacerations and with complete disregard for his own safety, swam to his drowning companion and assisted him to the beach. Ensign Holbrook demonstrated unusual initiative and fortitude in spite of extreme personal danger while saving his friend’s life. His remarkable courage, unselfish action, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.