Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Engineman Second Class

    Action Date:

    September 7, 1963

    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 James Paul Walters, United States Coast Guard, for heroism, on 7 September 1963, while serving as crewman aboard the CG-36515, engaged in rescuing a woman who was trapped in the hull of an overturned cabin cruiser near Humboldt Bay, California. Walters, aboard the CG-36515, proceeded to the scene about 350 yards offshore in the vicinity of twenty foot breakers. As the lifeboat approached the cruiser, Walters immediately dived into the water and attempted to rescue the victim, who could be heard screaming and pounding on the hull. However, due to the buoyancy of the wet suit he was wearing, he was unable to get under the capsized vessel. By this time the cabin cruiser had drifted into the breakers, and the CG-36515 had to tow the vessel seaward to provide a safe working area. Walters and another crewman stayed in the water to steady the vessel. Walters then continued attempts to get under the capsized cruiser until the CG-44305 arrived on the scene with a fresh crew. The two lifeboat crews succeeded in temporarily righting the overturned boat and freed the unconscious woman, before the boat again capsized. Aboard the lifeboat, the victim was administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. She soon regained consciousness and was removed to a hospital. In spite of ever present personal danger, Walters demonstrated initiative, fortitude, and daring. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.