Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate First Class

    Action Date:

    December 19, 1961

    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 James Caldwell Jenkins, United States Coast Guard, for heroism, on the night of December 19, 1961, when he rescued a man from drowning in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately eleven miles east of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Jenkins, who was serving on board the USCG Patrol Boat Commanding General-95321, [later named Cape Cross] had been assisting on deck during rescue operations following the sinking of the F/V BARBARA ANN GAIL. After four survivors had been brought aboard the CG-95321, a fifth survivor was spotted in the extremely rough seas. The victim was thrown a line and pulled to the starboard net. However, the man, suffering from immersion in the frigid water, exposure, and exhaustion, lost his grasp on the net and began to drift beneath the hull of the vessel. Jenkins, perceiving the man’s plight, immediately grabbed a line and plunged into the water to assist. He promptly located the foundering survivor, commenced supporting him, and towed and ultimately placed him into the rescue net on the port side of the vessel, where he was brought aboard the CG-95321. Jenkins demonstrated initiative and fortitude in spite of imminent personal danger during the rescue. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.