Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Chief Boatswain’s Mate

    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 Boatswain’s Mate Samuel L. Wilson, 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 Petty Officer Wilson, a member of the crew of Coast Guard Loran Station St. Paul, volunteered to accompany the acting commanding officer and another crewman in the rescue attempt. The three men proceeded to a cliff approximately 150-feet above the vessel. 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, the three men 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 with Chief Petty Officer WILSON leading the way, 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. The survivors were then taken in groups back along the beach and up onto the cliff. Chief Petty Officer Wilson was the last man to leave as he followed along to ensure that there were no stragglers. Chief Petty Officer Wilson 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.