The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Andrew J. Pepe, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the night of 25 April 1982 while serving onboard U.S.C.G.C. MARIPOSA [WLB-397]. The ship was moored at Cleveland, Ohio and Seaman Pepe was making a phone call on the municipal pier when a young man walked by the phone booth and leaped into the frigid waters of Cleveland Harbor. Seaman Pepe rushed to the edge of the pier and saw the man foundering in the water. Not able to reach the man and finding nothing to throw to him, Seaman PEPE stopped a passing car and told the driver to call the police. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety, Seaman Pepe entered the 40 degree water and swam toward the victim. Before Seaman Pepe could reach him, the victim sank under the water. Seaman Pepe immediately dived, grabbed the man, and pulled him to the surface. Looking for something to hang onto, Seaman Pepe swam toward some nearby debris. Although losing his grip on the victim twice due to the onset of hypothermia, Seaman Pepe re-established contact each time and held onto the victim until the arrival of rescue personnel. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and Seaman Pepe was treated for acute hypothermia. Seaman Pepe 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.