The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Machinery Technician Second Class Richard C. White, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon of 7 June 1981 while serving as engineer aboard Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat (MLB) 44400 out of Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon. Upon notification that a fishing vessel had capsized, the MLB proceeded through 12 to 14 foot seas and 45 knot winds to the area. Locating the overturned vessel, the MLB could not approach close enough to determine if anyone was trapped inside the hull. The only alternative was to have someone from the MLB hoisted by an on scene Coast Guard helicopter and lowered to the vessel. Petty Officer White volunteered and quickly donned the hoist sling just as the MLB fell off a wave into the trough. For the next several minutes he hung perilously on the helicopter’s hoist cable. Three times he banged into the overturned hull before finally grasping the propeller shaft and clinging to the rolling hull. Using his folding knife, Petty Officer White began tapping on the hull and holding on as best he could since he had no tending line for a safety device. Eventually his taps were answered. Someone was trapped inside the vessel. His mission completed, Petty Officer White was again hoisted aboard the helicopter. His courageous actions set in motion the rescue of two men from the overturned vessel. Petty Officer White demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this mission. His unselfish actions, courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.