Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate

    Action Date:

    May 26, 1968

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Thomas David McAdams, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of May 26, 1968 while serving as crew member of the Motor Life Boat CG-44303, engaged in the perilous rescue of one survivor and the subsequent search for three other persons from the capsized pleasure craft YUM-YUM at Umpqua River Entrance, Winchester Bay, Oregon. Despite 35-knot winds and rough seas with 12- to 15-foot breakers, which broke up the pleasure craft YUM-YUM, Chief Petty Officer McAdams proceeded to the vicinity of the bow section sighted in the surf. When one man was seen repeatedly going under the surface about 75 feet away from the bow section, Chief Petty Officer McAdams skillfully maneuvered the CG-44303 alongside the victim, who disappeared under the port side, as the surf broke over the decks of the rescue boat. Leaving the wheel, and with the boat being carried broadside into the surf, he then assisted in pulling the survivor to safety. Commencing a search pattern for the other three persons who were missing from the demolished craft, Chief Petty Officer McAdams maneuvered the CG-44303 in breaking swells for approximately 30 minutes, grounding once, frequently rolling broadside and repeatedly being engulfed by the surf while recovering two other victims. He then proceeded to shore and delivered the victims to medical authorities. The CG-44303 later returned to the scene and searched in vain for the fourth man. Chief Petty Officer McAdams demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.