Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    July 4, 1966

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Ronald Robert Paddock, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of July 4, 1966 while serving on board the CG-52312 when he entered the cabin of a capsized motorboat at the entrance to Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon, to rescue a woman. Two men from the overturned craft were quickly rescued by a Coast Guard boat, on inner harbor safety patrol, when it was ascertained that a third person was trapped inside the cabin. The CG-52312, on safety patrol outside the bar, arrived almost immediately. Seaman Paddock entered the water and attached a line to the overturned boat enabling the bow to be lifted out of the water. He then removed his life jacket and made his way through a small hatch to reach the woman whose life jacket was caught on a cabin fitting. While attempting to calm the hysterical woman, he freed the life jacket, removed her from the capsized boat, and pulled her to safety. Seaman Paddock demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.