Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Machinery Technician First Class

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1985

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Machinery Technician First Class Randall W. Rogers, United States Coast Guard, for heroism for his efforts to combat a major engine room fire and attempts to rescue a trapped shipmate aboard U.S.C.G.C. CHASE (WHEC 718) on 8 May 1985. At approximately 1330 that day, an explosive fire broke out forward of the main diesel engines. Equipment was secured and the space evacuated, but one person was trapped in the engine room. Hearing that a crew member was not accounted for, Petty Officer Rogers left his standby billet on the mess deck in an attempt to find him. He searched the auxiliary machinery space but was driven back by the intense heat and smoke from the fire. He proceeded to the control booth, via the mess deck scuttle, secured fuel valves and running machinery, and entered the burning engine room to set up ventilation equipment and enhanced the safety and efficiency of the fire-fighting parties. Despite severe personal danger, he then searched the forward-upper level of the engine room, followed by the second level between the main diesel engines, and the aft-outboard of both reduction gears and the evaporator flat. Petty Officer Rogers then entered the lower level of the engine room from the diesel oil pump room about the same time as the fire party put out the fire and joined him in his search, finding the body of the missing crew ember. Although he personally was unable to locate his missing shipmate, Petty Officer Roger’s heroic efforts were an inspiration to others. Petty Officer Rogers demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and extreme daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue attempt. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.