The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Lieutenant Donald Otto Tilton, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct during the period 30 to 31 December 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Base, South Portland and as on-scene commander during fire fighting operations for the gasoline-laden coastal tanker DEAN REINAUER in Portland Harbor, Maine. Though he was not on duty when he learned of the fire, Lieutenant TILTON immediately returned to the base, boarded the U.S.C.G.C. YANKTON [WYTM-72], and assumed command responsibilities for all the Coast Guard units which were assisting the fire fighting effort. When directed to have the tanker towed out of the heavily congested petroleum terminal of the inner harbor to an anchorage areas, Lieutenant Tilton led a boarding party onto the burning vessel and succeeded in dropping the anchor, despite the imminent danger from the series of violent explosions which occurred while he and his men were aboard. After departing the flaming tanker, he continued his command responsibilities until relieved by a senior Coast Guard officer. Lieutenant Tilton’s exceptional ability and dedication in directing the efforts of Coast Guard units and other assisting vessels during this dangerous operation contributed significantly to preventing further loss of life and property. Lieutenant Tilton’s outstanding initiative, leadership, heroic perseverance, and unwavering devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.