Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Engineman First Class

    Action Date:

    December 30 – 31, 1969

    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 First Class Ulrich Richard Warnat, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct during the period 30 to 31 December 1969 while serving as a crew member of U.S.C.G.C. SHACKLE (WYTL-65609), engaged in combating a dangerous fire aboard the gasoline-laden coastal tanker DEAN REINAUER in Portland Harbor, Maine. The tanker had experienced an explosion in the engine room while loading high octane gasoline form the tanker AMOCO LOUISIANA, which was moored to the American Oil Company Dock in a heavily congested petroleum terminal of the inner harbor. As the burning vessel was being towed from Portland Harbor to prevent destruction of the terminal, Petty Officer Warnat assisted his shipmates in their efforts to cool the superstructure as the tanker was towed to a safe anchorage area. When it became imperative to anchor the DEAN REINAUER to effectively fight the fire, Petty Officer Warnat voluntarily boarded the burning vessel and assisted in the anchoring operation. Although the operation was hampered by a series of violent explosions, Petty Officer Warnat continued his efforts and after departing the flaming tanker he persevered in combating the fire. His remarkable initiative and daring, in spite of imminent personal danger, contributed significantly to extinguishing the fire and preventing a major holocaust in Portland Harbor. Petty Officer Warnat’s unselfish actions and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.