Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer

    Action Date:

    November 8 – 9, 1979

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Edward H. Wassell, Jr., United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the night and early morning of 8 and 9 November 1979 when he assisted in the rescue of the crew of the Japanese fishing vessel RYUYO MARU No. 2 which had grounded on Tolstoi Point, St. Paul Island, Alaska. Upon notification of the grounding, Chief Warrant Officer Wassell, Acting Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Loran Station St. Paul, proceeded to a cliff approximately 150-feet above the vessel and assumed the duties of On-Scene-Commander. Despite winds in excess of 40-knots, harsh breakers produced by 20-foot seas, darkness, and the presence of nauseating diesel fuel fumes and fuel and salt spray, Chief Warrant Officer Wassell and two other Coast Guardsmen began to seek a useable path of escape for the crew of RYUYO MARU No. 2. In this endeavor, the three men climbed down to the rocky beach and carefully made their way through the slippery rocks and breaking seas almost a mile down the beach to the stricken vessel. Upon arrival the men secured 3 lines from the vessel to huge boulders and began rescue operations by means of boatswain’s chairs. Several hours later, all 81 members of the crew were safely on the beach. Then Chief Warrant Officer Wassell led the first group of men back along the beach and onto the cliff where vehicles were waiting to take the survivors to the Loran Station. The other two Coast Guardsmen brought the rest of the crewmen to safety along the same route. Chief Warrant Officer Wassell demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.