(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Radioman Third Class James O. Ruff, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic conduct while serving aboard the U.S.C.G.C. ATAK in effecting the rescue of personnel from the wrecked trawler Terra Norva on 13 September 1943. When 20 members of the trawler’s crew were left on board the sinking vessel, Radioman Third Class Ruff volunteered for duty as part of a lifeboat crew assigned to the rescue operations and despite heavy seas and high winds, steadfastly remained at his oar for four hours until all survivors had been transferred to his ship.