The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Seaman Ina J. Toavs, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary heroism on the night of 13 April 1979 when she assisted in the rescue of an unconscious fisherman from the surf at Bird Rock, Bodega Bay, California. The fishing vessel CAMMELEA had grounded in 8 to 10-foot seas with 25-knot winds pounding her hard against the rocks near Bird Rock. Earlier, Seaman Toavs and a shipmate from Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay had used a Sonoma County, California Sheriff’s Department 16-foot Boston Whaler to deliver an interpreter to Bird Rock in an effort to communicate with the fishermen on board CAMMELEA, and had then taken up a position offshore with a Coast Guard motor lifeboat. Upon notification by a Sheriff’s Department heli-copter than one of the fishermen had been washed overboard and was afloat near the northern tip of Bird Rock, Seaman Toavs immediately, and with complete disregard for her own safety, assisted in maneuvering the Boston Whaler into the heavy surf to rescue the helpless man. When the helicopter was forced to land before reaching the man, Seaman Toavs, without hesitation, continued to assist in maneuvering among the rocks with only a flashlight to illuminate the area until the man was sighted. The Boston Whaler was then brought alongside the victim so that Seaman Toavs could pull him aboard. With the unconscious man safely on board, the rescue craft was taken back through the rocks toward open water. Once clear of the rocks, Seaman Toavs took over the helm while her shipmate commenced cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on the fisherman. While still in heavy seas, the engine of the Boston Whaler died, requiring the Coast Guard motor lifeboat to take it in tow. Just prior to entering the jetty at Bodega Bay, the engine was restarted and Seaman Toavs piloted the Boston Whaler to Station Bodega Bay where the victim was transferred to paramedics. Seaman Toavs demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of imminent personal danger in this rescue. Her unselfish actions, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon herself and the United States Coast Guard.