The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Kristin Reger, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on 24 July 2008 while serving as a boat crewmember aboard Motor Lifeboat 47292 during the daring rescue of a man who was trapped beneath the hull of the sailing vessel WING IT. Immediately recognizing that the victim was unable to free himself from the wreckage, Seaman Reger volunteered to deploy from the Motor Lifeboat as a Surface Swimmer. She quickly donned the swimmer protective gear and, without hesitation or concern for her own safety, entered the turbulent frigid water of the San Francisco Bay. Battling two to four foot seas and over 25 knots of wind, Seaman Reger quickly located the victim and initiated communication via a through-hull fitting. Seaman Reger realized that the man needed immediate evacuation because the vessel was rapidly drifting into jagged rocks. After several failed attempts to assist the victim in exiting the capsized vessel on his own, Seaman Reger, fighting the cold and physical exhaustion placed her own life in peril in an effort to save the trapped man. She disconnected her lifeline and attached it to a personal floatation device which she shoved underneath the now sinking vessel. After instructing the man to don the life jacket Seaman Reger began to pull him to safety. While pulling the man from the sinking vessel he became entangled in the sail rigging which began to pull him under the water. Seaman Reger immediately took control of the situation and cut the submerged lines, which allowed her to pull the man to safety. Once aboard the Commanding General 25561 she rendered first aid for severe hypothermia and major lacerations to the head. The victim was transferred to EMS where he made a full recovery. Seaman Reger demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of immediate danger in this rescue. Her courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.