The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Gail K. Klock, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 3 September 1978 when he rescued a young girl from drowning in the pounding surf north of Fogarty Creek, Oregon. Upon notification of two girls being swept into the sea, Seaman Klock was dispatched from Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Oregon as a member of a beach party. Arriving on scene, one of the girls was observed clinging to a rock with the turbulent surf breaking over her. Seaman Klock immediately donned a swimmer’s harness and, with other members of the beach party tending the line, began to descend a sixty-foot cliff to the water near the helpless girl. As he reached a level approximately 15-feet above the surf, a breaker swept the girl off the rock. With total disregard for his own safety, Seaman Klock threw a life-preserver into the surf, leaped into the water, and swam to the girl. Reaching the hapless girl, Seaman Klock supported her while he made his way back to the base of the cliff. As he struggled to keep their heads above water while the surf pounded them relentlessly, Seaman Klock fashioned a sling from a lowered line and secured it to the girl. First the girl, and then Seaman Klock were then hoisted up the cliff. Reaching safety, Seaman Klock began treatment for hypothermia until the arrival of an ambulance. With the girl safely in the ambulance, Seaman Klock, although physically battered and exhausted, proceeded 600-yards up the beach to where the other girl had been pulled from the sea and began administering CPR. He persistently continued CPR in the ambulance on the way to the hospital where the girl was transferred to medical authorities. Seaman Klock demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.