Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Third Class

    Action Date:

    March 12 – 13, 1980

    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 Third Class Sean H. Howells, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 12 and 13 March 1980 while engaged in a search and rescue case near the Columbia River Bar. Petty Officer Howells was dispatched from the Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment as lee coxswain on Coast Guard Motor Life Boat (MLB) 44309 to escort the fishing vessel MISS KIM which was low on fuel and experiencing difficulty in crossing inbound over the Columbia River bar. En route to the stricken vessel, MLB 44309 encountered moderate weather conditions with seas 6 to 8 feet and winds 20 to 25 knots. Upon reaching the Bar, a very intense low pressure front began passing through the area. This caused a rapid deterioration of conditions and the seas built to 20 to 25 feet with steady winds of 60 to 65 knots gusting to 80 knots. The sea conditions soon incapacitated the assigned heavy weather coxswain and Petty Officer Howells immediately assumed command. He then requested medical evacuation for the disabled coxswain and provided Station Cape Disappointment with invaluable on-scene information concerning weather conditions and possible solutions to prevent the loss of MISS KIM and the two persons on board. Shortly thereafter a Coast Guard Helicopter arrived and evacuated the coxswain and the two persons onboard MISS KIM. MLB 44309 had been joined by MLB TRIUMPH by this time and both boats proceeded back to the Columbia River bar as nothing more could be done for MISS KIM. Reaching the bar, they found conditions virtually impossible and the two boats were directed to remain offshore rather than chance capsizing on the treacherous bar. Over the next 10 hours Petty Officer Howells maintained control of the MLB despite 12 to 15 foot seas, winds of 30 to 40 knots gusting to 60 knots, intermittent squalls with the air temperature of 46 degrees and sea temperature of 48 degrees. Finally, on the morning of 13 March, Petty Officer Howells, totally exhausted, moored his boat and returned his crew of two to the station. Petty Officer Howells demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this case. His courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.