Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Machinery Technician Third Class

    Action Date:

    August 28, 1977

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Machinery Technician Third Class Billy W. Piner, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 28 August 1977 while serving as engineer on board Coast Guard motor lifeboat CG-44350, when he rescued two persons form drowning near Ocean City Inlet, Maryland. Petty Officer Piner, assigned to Coast Guard Station Ocean City, was participating in a routine patrol when a nearby small boat was swamped by the wake of a passing vessel. Arriving on scene, the crew of CG-44350 rescued a two-year old child who was passed over by the man on the swamped boat. Before the man and his wife could be brought safely on board, the small boat capsized throwing them into the water and trapping the woman under the boat. Petty Officer Piner immediately entered the water, dived under the swamped craft, and brought the woman to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the man stated that he was entangled in the anchor and fishing lines, was unable to free himself, and could not hold on to the capsized craft much longer. Petty Officer Piner quickly placed the woman over the bow of the vessel, dived under the boat, and cut the lines from around the man’s legs. Petty officer Piner then helped the two victims to safety on board the Coast Guard vessel. Additionally, Petty Officer Piner retrieved the anchor line of the distressed craft and passed it to the crew of the rescue craft so that the capsized boat could be towed to shore. Petty Officer Piner 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.