The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Coxswain William F. Coultas, United States Coast Guard, for heroic conduct aboard the U.S.C.G.C. MODOC during the rescue of survivors from the S.S. SVEND FOYN in the Atlantic Ocean on the morning of 21 March 1943. Going to the aid of a comrade, Coxswain Coultas voluntarily descended the port rescue net with another enlisted men to rescue three survivors who had jumped from a life raft alongside his vessel and were helplessly trying to secure their lifelines. Frequently submerged as the vessel rolled to port he worked for fifteen minutes waist deep in water then assisted an exhausted comrade back on board. Coxswain Coultas’ courageous efforts in behalf of his shipmates and two survivors saved from almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.