Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1973

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gary R. McGuffin, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 31 March 1973 while serving as copilot of Coast Guard HH-52A 1409 helicopter when he voluntarily deplaned and assisted a SARWET aircrewman in the rescue of a 12-year-old girl who had been trapped beneath a cabin cruiser which had capsized in heavy seas and high winds while attempting to return to McAvoy Harbor in Suisun Bay near Port Chicago, California. The helicopter was diverted from a patrol flight to assist and upon arrival on scene was advised that a young girl had been trapped for over two hours inside the overturned boat’s cabin. Initial attempts were made, unsuccessfully, to tow the boat to shallow water. As concern mounted for the girl’s safety, Lieutenant (junior grade) McGUFFIN shed his flight gear and immediately entered the 56-degree water, unprotected against the elements, and swam to a nearby pleasure boat. After explaining the situation, he set up a towline between the boat and the capsized vessel and as the tow progressed, the cabin cruiser began to roll on her side and was righted. The young girl was then located entangled in lines and debris and lodged beneath the steering wheel with her head underwater. Reentering the water, Lieutenant (junior grade) McGUFFIN assisted the aircrewman in freeing the girl through the broken windows of the now upright cabin cruiser and supported the girl’s head while the aircrewman began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to restore the victim’s free breathing. After approximately one minute, the young girl was breathing on her own and was transferred to a Coast Guard boat for delivery to medical authorities. Lieutenant (junior grade) McGUFFIN demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude and daring during this rescue mission. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.