The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Lawrence Allan Wambold, United States Coast Guard, for meritorious achievement in aerial flight on 23 September 1970 as aircrewman of Coast Guard HH-52A 1423 helicopter engaged in the rescue of four crewmen from the fishing vessel WANDA which was adrift and in danger of breaking up on the rocks in the waters of Ugak Bay, Alaska. After a hazardous flight through adverse weather conditions, he assisted the pilot in positioning the helicopter over the small restricted hoist area, despite the dangerous rolling and pitching of the vessel in 15 to 20-foot seas. Displaying unusual ability, Petty Officer Wambold skillfully directed the pilot into position over the bow of the vessel and expertly hoisted the four men to safety. Petty Officer Wambold’s resourcefulness, sound judgment, courage and unwavering devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.