The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Dana R. Murphy, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the early morning of 12 March 1981 when he rescued a man from drowning. While standing quarterdeck watch on board U.S.C.G.C. CHEROKEE [WMEC-165] which was moored at Pier 19 North, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Virginia, Petty Officer Murphy observed a man walking unsteadily down the pier. When the man came too close to one side of the pier and fell into the water, Petty Officer Murphy immediately piped the security watchstander to the quarterdeck and ran to the spot where the man had disappeared. Peering through the darkness into the dark water, Petty Officer Murphy saw the apparently unconscious man floating slightly beneath the surface. Shouting to the security watchstander to bring a life ring, Petty Officer Murphy then dived into the 44-degree water to attempt a rescue. Fighting off the shock of the frigid water, Petty Officer Murphy swam to the helpless man and towed him over 50 yards to the boat ramp at the end of the dock where two fellow Coast Guardsmen helped them from the water. Petty Officer Murphy then instructed his two shipmates to call the base ambulance and get blankets. After they left, the victim began to choke and became unable to breathe. Petty Officer Murphy quickly applied the Heimlich Maneuver to clear the air passage, enabling the man to breathe on his own. Concerned about the 28-degree wind chill factor on the victim, Petty Officer Murphy began to carry the man back toward the CHEROKEE. As the other crewmen returned, the victim was taken to the CHEROKEE’s mess deck and wrapped in blankets. Petty Officer MURPHY then returned to the quarterdeck to insure an ambulance was on the way. Only after the victim was on the way to the hospital did Petty Officer Murphy seek medical help for his exposure to the cold war and air. Petty Officer Murphy 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 the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.