The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Engineman Second Class Gary Lee Skarvold, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 2 December 1967 while serving at the Coast Guard Station, Neah Bay, Washington, when he assisted in the perilous rescue of a fellow Coastguardsman from the treacherous waters of Neah Bay and assisted in averting the destruction of the CG-44364, which had been set adrift by violent waves. Petty Officer Skarvold, advised that a fellow Coastguardsman had been washed off the pier by a large wave, donned a wet suit and accompanied by another member of the crew, entered the frigid water to assist. Despite hazards of almost total darkness, 15 to 20-foot waves, and floating debris, the rescuers reached the distressed man and attempted to pull him to shore. Thwarted in this plan by the waves and treacherous currents, the rescuers remained with the victim until a fishing boat picked them up. Later that morning when the CG-44364 was set adrift in the bay, Petty Officer Skarvold immediately volunteered to be lowered from a helicopter hovering at an altitude of 40 feet to the surging deck of the CG 44364 to assist in taking the CG-44364 in tow for mooring in sheltered waters. Petty Officer Skarvold demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.