Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Seaman

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1964

    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 John Phillip Talbot, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on 25 July 1964, while serving at the Cape May Station, when he assisted in the rescue of two survivors of the stranded fishing boat, MARLIN, which was breaking up on the rocks of the Cape May Inlet West Jetty. Talbot, who was on authorized leave from the U.S.C.G.C. AGASSIZ (WSC-126), when advised of the accident, immediately proceeded to the inshore end of the jetty in his own car to attempt to render assistance. Despite the fact that waves were continually breaking over the jetty and that the footing was treacherous because of the moss on the rocks, Talbot and another seaman made their way along the entire length of the west jetty to reach two survivors who were clinging to the rocks. Disregarding his own safety, Talbot entered the turbulent water and brought a woman survivor to a position of relative safety. Both seamen then entered the water and rescued the master of the MARLIN. Later, due to their perilous position on the rocks and the exhausted physical condition of the survivors, Talbot and his companion each assisted a survivor in swimming a distance of approximately 100 yards through rough seas to the safety of a Coast Guard rescue boat, which was in the lee of the jetty. Talbot demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.