The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class William G. Nash, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 18 May 1989 while in charge of a Coast Guard contingent which coordinated and conducted rescue efforts in the community of New Caney, Texas. As coxswain of a 12-foot Coast Guard utility boat assigned to Marine Safety Office Houston, Petty Officer Nash was directly responsible for the evacuation of 120 people from the flooded neighborhoods in an area where the water rose to more than eight feet above its normal level. His efforts included removing residents from rooftops, portaging boats and equipment across the flooded, snake-infested waters on the interstate highways, and successfully coordinating relief and logistics efforts. While picking up two individuals for evacuation, one of the passengers suddenly changed position, causing the utility boat to become swamped by the rushing flood waters and dumping all four occupants into the water. One person was physically incapacitated and struggled to remain afloat. In doing so, he inadvertently removed his lifejacket, placing himself in imminent danger of drowning. Petty Officer Nash, in a determined effort to save the victim, battled the fast-moving current and dragged him to a nearby tree to await rescue. The current was so strong that both were nearly swept away. They clung to the trunk of the tree to avoid being swept further into the woods by the current. For nearly 30 minutes, they huddled together to maintain body heat until another boat could be launched to rescue them. Petty Officer Nash 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 traditions of the United States Coast Guard.