Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Boatswain’s Mate Second Class

    Action Date:

    July 4, 1980

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Bruce W. Terrell, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the morning of 4 July 1980 while serving as a crewmember of SRB-30201 from Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay, Oregon. During this period he assisted in the rescue of 4 men from a capsized small pleasure craft in turbulent surf in the entrance to Tillamook Bay. The boat had dashed around the tip of the north entrance jetty, directly into the path of a 15 to 18-foot breaking sea. The boat capsized. Two of the four occupants were hurled through the windshield before being thrown into the turbulent sea. A more maneuverable MLB, positioned just behind the capsized boat, was directed to attempt to make the pickup. As the MLB approached to pick up the survivors who were just 50 to 75 feet from the tip of the jetty, the SRB was maneuvered to seaward where the coxswain placed it broadside to the other rescue boat and the people in the water. Throughout this period the SRB was in constant danger of being capsized and swept through the thundering surf and onto the rocks of the jetty where there would be little chance of crew survival. While the coxswain’s attention was centered on the MLB, Petty Officer Terrell continually kept him advised of the timing and size of the incoming breakers to enable him to maneuver the SRB at the precise instant to knock down the breaker before it reached the MLB. Despite the incessant pounding of the breakers, the SRB maintained its position until the four victims were rescued. Petty Officer Terrell demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger during this rescue. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.