Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Engineman Second Class

    Action Date:

    January 16, 1968

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Engineman Second Class John Richard Tanner, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 16 January 1968 while serving as crew member of the CG-30532 engaged in suppressing a massive gasoline fire in the Houston Ship Channel approximately one and one-half miles southeast of the Baytown-LaPorte vehicular tunnel. The CG-30532 was diverted from a fire at the Shell Oil Refinery to assist in fighting the fires resulting from the collision of the Liberian freighter CHRISTIANE and three gasoline-laden barges in tow of the tug BARBARA WAXLER. Upon arrival on scene, personnel of the CG-30532 assisted in extinguishing the fire on one barge, which was laden with over 17,000 barrels of high octane gasoline, and when re-flash occurred, suppressed it. When it was noted that heavy vapors and gasoline fumes were emanating from a damaged hatch over the hot deck of the barge, Petty Officer Tanner, with total disregard for his own safety, voluntarily boarded the barge and assisted another Coastguardsman in opening the hatch cover and hauling a fire hose aboard to fill the open compartment with foam in order to reduce the danger of additional re-flash or explosion. This action resulted in the final extinguishing of the fire and in safeguarding the boats and personnel surrounding the barge. Petty Officer Tanner demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during the entire operation. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United Sates Coast Guard.