Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    January 28, 1980

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Michael A. Rhodes, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the evening of 28 January 1980 when he assisted in the perilous rescue of at least two persons following the collision between U.S.C.G.C. BLACKTHORN [WLB-391] and SS CAPRICORN in Tampa Bay, Florida. Shortly after the collision and within 15 to 20 seconds after commencing a roll to port, BLACKTHORN capsized, thereby precluding a bridge command to prepare for and execute an orderly abandon ship. During this period, Seaman Rhodes was on the mess-deck with a large number of the crew. As BLACKTHORN rolled over on her port beam and commenced taking on water, Seaman Rhodes made his way forward through the flooding compartment to the starboard door leading to the buoy deck. Standing on the port bulkhead, he undogged the watertight door and used his considerable strength to hold open the 130 pound door. Instead of egressing from this extremely perilous situation, he remained in position until at least two of his shipmates were able to escape. Then, as flooding of the messdeck continued, he fully opened the door and made good his own escape. Seaman Rhodes demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during this incident. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.