Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Fireman

    Action Date:

    March 11, 1990

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Fireman James A. Mounts, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 11 March 1990 when he rescued a man and assisted a badly injured woman stranded on the north jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay. Fireman Mounts was alerted by Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay personnel that there were several injured people on the jetty. Fireman Mounts, who was off duty at the time, immediately rushed to the scene and, upon his arrival, found a man with a broken leg clinging to a light tower, and a woman with a severely lacerated face. He directed two other persons who had accompanied him to escort the injured woman to safety. Fireman Mounts then turned to the injured man and began to splint his leg. After a few moments, he was struck by a large wave and was knocked off balance. Realizing his precarious position, Fireman Mounts radioed for more equipment and air support. Suddenly, the injured man saw a large wave approaching and warned Fireman Mounts who immediately threw himself over the injured man to protect him from the force of the wave. A 12-foot wave struck, sweeping Fireman Mounts across the jetty and into a barrier 20 feet below. He was knocked unconscious and sustained several severe lacerations. As he was recovered by another Coast Guardsman, Fireman Mounts regained consciousness and again turned to the injured man to continue treating his wounds until a rescue helicopter arrived. Fireman Mounts demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Coast Guard.