The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Apprentice Robert M. White, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on 5 January 1980 when he assisted in the rescue of two men from the grounded barge MICHAEL F in the turbulent surf near Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey. Upon notification of the grounding, Seaman Apprentice White departed Coast Guard Station New Haven a crewman on board Coast Guard Motor Life Boat CG-44355 and proceeded to the scene despite heavy surf and a driving snowstorm. Arriving on scene, the barge was observed engulfed in 20-foot breakers, lying broadside to the surf, approximately 1-mile offshore. As the coxswain maneuvered CG-44355 closer to the hapless barge, Seaman Apprentice White moved to the forward deck of the boat to assist in the rescue attempt. Despite the mountainous waves and blinding snow, he assisted two crewmen to the bow where they were lashed to the rail. As CG-44355 came alongside the barge, the two survivors, who were trapped in a leaking deckhouse of the 300-foot barge, broke out of the deckhouse and waded through waist deep water to the rail and vaulted over it into the arms of the two Coast Guardsmen lashed to the rails of CG-44355. Seaman Apprentice White 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.