Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Yeoman First Class

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1965

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Yeoman First Class Neale Patterson Purseglove, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 3 October 1965 when he rescued a woman and her infant daughter from an overturned burning automobile near Akron, Ohio. Struck by a passing vehicle, the car was forced down an embankment where it overturned, throwing two occupants clear, and caught fire. Petty Officer Purseglove immediately stopped his automobile, ran to the burning wreck, and pulled a woman passenger to safety. Then she advised that her one-year old daughter was still inside the burning car. Petty Officer Purseglove, without regard for his own personal safety and the danger of a possible explosion, returned to the flaming vehicle, kicked out the back window, crawled inside, and pulled the infant to safety. Soon after the removal of the child, the automobile became completely engulfed inflames. Petty Officer Purseglove demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish action, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.