Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1963

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class John R. Rosewaren, United States Coast Guard, for heroism, on the afternoon of September 1, 1963, while serving as aircrewman of a Coast Guard helicopter engaged in the perilous rescue of the occupants of a pleasure craft which had capsized in the turbulent surf off Peacock Spit, at the mouth of the Columbia River Bar, Ilwaco, Washington. The helicopter was on routine search and rescue patrol when advised of the accident by Cape Disappointment Lifeboat Station. Upon arrival in the area, Rosewaren directed the pilot to a position where a rescue of one survivor by hoist operation was effected in a matter of seconds. When another victim was sighted, face down and apparently unconscious in the water, Rosewaren voluntarily climbed into the helicopter rescue basket and was lowered into the cold, turbulent seas in an attempt to rescue this person. While attempting to place the unconscious man in the rescue basket, he was overcome by a fifteen foot breaker which caused him to lose his grip on the basket and the victim. Upon surfacing he began swimming toward the helpless man but once again was thwarted by a large breaker which threw him onto the rocks. Rosewaren then progressed along the rocks looking for the survivors and a spot to reenter the surf to attempt another rescue. His determination to accomplish the rescue ceased only when the pilot of the helicopter placed the aircraft in front of him and directed him to return to the beach. Rosewaren demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of ever present personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.