The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Gordon Arthur Williamson, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the afternoon and evening of 17 February 1973 while serving as coxswain of CG-40459 engaged in the perilous rescue of the drifting fishing vessel SOUTHERN MAID which became disabled in high seas and strong winds immediately adjacent to the South Texas Coast near Port Aransas, Texas. The CG-40459 was dispatched from Coast Guard Station, Port Aransas to evaluate the sea and weather conditions at the Port Aransas jetties. Seaman Williamson evaluated the sea conditions as marginal for small boat operations. He then sighted the fishing vessel SOUTHERN MAID offshore in imminent danger of grounding and her crew hazarded by the heavy seas. Seaman Williamson elected to proceed to the ship’s rescue and, after receiving permission from Coast Guard Station, Port Aransas, skillfully maneuvered the CG-40459 to pass a towline to the stricken vessel. The towline parted a number of times due to the heavy strain. Seaman WILLIAMSON quickly maneuvered on each occasion to reestablish his tow and resume the torturously slow progress toward the safety of the jetties. At times the CG-40459 was shipping so much water that the aft deck was completely swamped. Despite extreme personal danger to his crew and himself, Seaman Williamson persevered, struggling against darkness and numerous other obstacles. He safely escorted the SOUTHERN MAID to a safe anchorage after more than five and one-half hours of fighting the elements. Seaman Williamson’s initiative and courageous actions contributed to saving the lives of the three man crew and prevented the loss of the vessel. His unselfishness and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.