Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Second Class

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1971

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class John Charles Rehberg, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct on the morning of 12 September 1971 while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the CG-44361, engaged in the perilous attempted rescue of seven persons from the waters of Coos Bay Entrance, Charleston, Oregon. When dispatched to assist in the rescue of survivors from two pleasure craft which had capsized in 10- to 12-foot breaking seas along the Coos Bay South Jetty, Petty Officer Rehberg quickly proceeded to the scene. He skillfully maneuvered through the turbulent surf to the vicinity of the seven victims and, with outstanding seamanship, cleared the dangerous jetty rocks and placed a swimmer in the water to assist three of the victims alongside the boat for recovery. Realizing that his swimmer was too exhausted to retrieve a fourth victim, Petty Officer Rehberg again maneuvered the CG-44361 to a position in the heavy pounding seas to effect the rescue. He then proceeded to Coos Bay Station where the four victims were transferred to an ambulance. Petty Officer Rehberg demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in the spite of imminent personal danger during the entire rescue operation. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United Sates Coast Guard.