The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Coast Guard Medal (Posthumously) to Quartermaster Third Class Howard Anton Jensen, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 7 October 1971 while serving in U.S.C.G.C. LILAC [WLM-227] when he attempted to rescue a shipmate who was in danger of drowning in Delaware Bay, New Castle, Delaware, while the ship was conducting aids to navigation operations in the lower Delaware River area. Two crew members from LILAC were observed in the water attempting to retrieve a gangplank which had fallen into the bay. When one of the men called for help, Petty Officer Jensen left the ship, ran to the dock, unhesitatingly dived into the water and swam toward the distressed man. Although the victim had disappeared beneath the water, Petty Officer Jensen searched and pulled him to the surface, allowing him to catch his breath. While helping his drowning shipmate, Petty Officer Jensen became completely exhausted. His gallant efforts in the swift current enabled a life to be saved only at the ultimate sacrifice of his own. Petty Officer Jensen’s outstanding courage, intrepidity, and unselfish actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.