The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Apprentice Benjamin F. Wingo, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on 12 February 1997 while serving as a crew member aboard Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat 44363, attached to Coast Guard Station Quillayute River. Shortly before 1 o’clock in the morning, responding to a distress call from the sailing vessel GALE RUNNER, Station Quillayute River launched two rescue boats. The operator of GALE RUNNER reported that the vessel was dismasted, taking on water, and in danger of sinking, 2 miles south of the Quillayute River entrance. Seas of up to 25 feet, combined with high winds and driving rain, created a situation of imminent danger for the two people aboard the GALE RUNNER. Soon after crossing the treacherous bar in an attempt to reach the stricken sailboat, the motor lifeboat suddenly rolled over several times in the surf and confused seas. As a result of the repeated roll-overs, three crew members were forcibly separated from his rescue craft and thrown into the churning ocean. Seaman Apprentice Wingo managed to remain on his rescue craft and released his safety line as his stricken lifeboat itself crashed repeatedly on the rocks. Despite his harrowing ordeal, he was able to fire flares to signal his boat’s and his crewmates’ distress. A Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles was able to hoist to safety the two people from the GALE RUNNER as it crashed on the rocks. As a crewmember of Coast Guard 44363, Seaman Apprentice Wingo willingly entered extreme ocean storm conditions and risked his own life while attempting to save the lives of the two people from the GALE RUNNER. Seaman Apprentice Wingo demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.