The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Michael L. Underwood, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the afternoon of 19 January 1996 while serving as Duty Coxswain of motor lifeboat 44352 during the rescue of six crewmen from the tug SCANDIA, which had caught fire off Point Judith, Rhode Island during a fierce winter storm. The motor lifeboat dispatched from Station Point Judith and arrived on scene to find the six crewmen had retreated to the bow to escape the fire, which had engulfed the vessel. Petty Officer Underwood called upon all his skills as a coxswain to hold his position in 20-30 foot seas, winds of more than 50 knots, and zero visibility. After rescuing one crewman, an explosion rocked the vessel, blowing out the pilothouse windows and sending the remaining five crewmen into the 32-degree water. Petty Officer Underwood deployed the rescue swimmer and expertly maneuvered to retrieve the survivors. After returning to Station Point Judith to get the hypothermic rescue swimmer to medical care, he volunteered to get underway again with two of the tug’s crewmen in a bold attempt to anchor the barge carrying four million gallons of oil. In these horrific conditions, Petty Officer Underwood was able to get the two crewmen onto the barge in a last-ditch effort to set its emergency anchor. When they did not succeed, he was able to retrieve one crewman before being forced by darkness and worsening conditions to stand off. The remaining crewman was subsequently rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. Petty Officer Underwood demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.