Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    August 5, 1967

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Richard Morley Koplan, United States Coast Guard Reserve, for heroism on the morning of August 5, 1967 while serving as a crew member on board the CG-36531, engaged in the perilous rescue of three persons from a pleasure craft which capsized on the bar at Nehalem River, Oregon. Maintaining a safety patrol at the mouth of the river, CG-36531 arrived almost immediately and Seaman Koplan threw a life preserver to the first person observed in the water and pulled him to safety. When his attempts to reach a second person with a life ring were of no avail, due to the action of the breakers, he unhesitatingly entered the 49o water, swam to a woman and supported her until they were pulled to the lifeboat by a line. Upon sighting a small child wearing a life jacket, floating among debris, Seaman Koplan reentered the water, swam to her, and returned her to the boat. While still in the water, he reached another woman, floating face down, and swam with her to the lifeboat where both were pulled aboard. While the CG-36531 was proceeding to shore, Seaman Koplan administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to the last victim until relieved by medical personnel. The CG-36531 then returned to the scene and assisted in retrieving the capsized boat. Seaman Koplan demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.