The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Charles P. McChesney, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 8 August 1980 while engaged in the rescue of a young man who was trapped on the face of a 500-foot cliff near Cascade Head, Oregon. Responding to a request for assistance from the Oregon State Police and the Depoe Bay Fire Department, Petty Officer McChesney proceeded from Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay to a location some two miles from the cliff. Then, along with other rescue personnel, he carried necessary rescue equipment over the rugged terrain to the site of the incident. Upon arrival, Petty Officer McChesney immediately assessed the situation, donned rappelling gear and, although lacking any formal training in rappelling, proceeded cautiously across the steep cliff toward the stranded victim who was suspended precariously with both hands and one foot jammed into rocks and one leg dangling. Without regard to his own personal safety, Petty Officer McChesney lowered a rappelling harness on his own safety line to the struggling and excited youth. Just as Petty Officer McChesney finished instructing the man on how to don the harness and attach the safety line, the young man slipped and fell some 15 feet before being restrained by the line. Rescuers on top of the cliff then hoisted the youth to safety and the safety line was passed back down to Petty Officer McChesney for his return to the cliff top. Petty Officer McChesney 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 great credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.