Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Chief Boatswain’s Mate

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1994

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Chief Boatswain’s Mate Joseph R. MacDonald, United States Coast Guard Reserve, for heroism on the afternoon of 21 May 1994 while serving as Station Belle Isle boat crewman aboard rigid-hull inflatable boat CG-214363. The crew was involved in the rescue attempt of two victims from a 21-foot pleasure boat which had capsized while underway in choppy conditions in the Detroit River. Five people from the vessel quickly reached the safety of another boat, while a 22-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy were trapped underneath the vessel. Cries and pounding against the inside of the hull were audible to the crew of CG-214363. Chief Petty Officer MacDonald, exposing himself to 58-degree water with no thermal protection for 25 minutes, desperately tried to reach up into the boat for the woman and child, first trying with just his arm and then with the help of an oar. Unsuccessful in this attempt, he exited the water to don an air tank and fins which he had requested from the Detroit Police Harbormaster. Disregarding his own safety, Chief Petty Officer MacDonald reentered the water with no exposure suit in order to conserve time and reach the trapped victims as quickly as possible. Severely hampered by poor visibility and web of fishing lines and other debris obstructing his route to the forward cabin, he ultimately located and grasped the legs of the boy. With great strength and determination, he pulled the child from the cabin and to the surface, where he was immediately warmed and rushed to shore for medical attention. After for searching for the woman until he could no longer function due to hypothermia and spending 45 minutes in the frigid water, Chief Petty Officer MacDonald demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in the rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.