The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boilerman Second Class James Dale Reynolds, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the night of 13 September 1971 as crewman of Coast Guard skiff CG-121505 engaged in the perilous rescue of six victims of the Perkiomen Creek flood in Montgomery County near Lower Indian Head Road in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Petty Officer Reynolds unhesitatingly accompanied another Coast Guardsman to the scene where heavy rains had caused flash flooding of the creek to an estimated 15 to 18 feet above normal with currents of 10 to 15 knots. He assisted in maneuvering the skiff through the flood waters, around trees and live power cables, to a house where four people were trapped on the rooftop and two more were stranded in trees. Despite darkness, with only a flashlight and candles held by the victims, Petty Officer Reynolds and his companion rescued three persons and took them to safety. They quickly returned to remove the two remaining victims from the roof along with a man found in a tree behind the house. En route to shore, the outboard motor failed and the boat broached and was swept into a telephone pole. The five occupants were thrown into the cold water and struggled to remain with the boat for three hours. During this period Petty Officer Reynolds used his belt to assist one of the victims from being swept away by the current while aiding and comforting all of them until help arrived. Petty Officer Reynolds demonstrated unusual initiative, exceptional fortitude, and heroic daring in spite of imminent personal danger throughout the entire rescue mission. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.