Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Machinery Technician Second Class

    Division:

    U.S.C.G.C. Tamaroa

    Action Date:

    October 30, 1991

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Machinery Technician Second Class Sean K. Watson, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for extraordinary heroism on 30 October 1991 while leading the rescue team on board U.S.C.G.C. TAMAROA during the daring rescue of four survivors from an Air National Guard (ANG) H-60 helicopter in what became known as “The Perfect Storm.” The ANG H-60 was forced to ditch because it could not refuel from a C-130 tanker due to the violent turbulence caused by the worst weather in more than 100 years. When a USCG H-3F helicopter could not hoist the ANG crew because the force of the wind was so strong the basket did not go down to the water, but went almost straight back into the tail rotor, the TAMAROA became their only hope. If Machinery Technician Second Class Watson had not risked his life during the worst storm of the century, the survivors of the ANG H-60 would certainly have died. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.