Duty & Valor - Military Stories of Courage and Sacrifice

US Coast Guard MCPOCG Michael Leavitt: Coast Guard Medal Recipient

Coast Guard Medal Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Coast Guard Medal to Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Michael P. Leavitt, United States Coast Guard, for heroism on the evening of 25 February 2007, while part of a land rescue party from Station Humboldt Bay engaged in the perilous rescue of a man swept off the Humboldt Bay north jetty. Master Chief Petty Officer Leavitt and the other members of the rescue party ran approximately half a mile to the end of the moss-covered, partly awash jetty, between several dolosse, unusually-shaped concrete blocks similar to jacks used to protect harbor walls from the force of the sea. Master Chief Petty Officer Leavitt and another member carefully traversed down the twenty feet over the slippery dolosse to reach the victim and discovered he had multiple contusions, abrasions, and a possible leg fracture. The rescuers decided that the only way to get the victim to safety was to free him from the dolosse and physically carry him to the top of the jetty. While attempting to free the victim, multiple waves exceeding twenty feet in height pummeled the rescuers with such force that the survival helmet was yanked off Master Chief Petty Officer Leavitt's head, and the rescuers were nearly swept away several times. After freeing the victim, Master Chief Petty Officer Leavitt and the other rescuer carried him between them through breaking waves to the top of the jetty. They quickly determined the victim needed immediate medical attention and ran through breaking surf to the end of the jetty where a waiting Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician began first aid. A helicopter then transferred the victim to the hospital where he eventually made a full recovery. Master Chief Petty Officer Leavitt demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of immediate personal danger in this rescue. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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