[lee martell]

He helped to rescue at least 169 people in that emergency. That is HUGE! That is Congressional Medal of Honor material, there. What a touching ceremony that would be, attended by several of those he rescued.

[Thud]

He might merit the Coast Guard Medal, which is equivalent to the Army's Soldier's Medal. I think those are the non-combat heroism equivalent of the Silver Star, though they might be the equivalent of a Distinguished Service Cross.

The MOH, Distinguished Service/Navy Crosses, Silver and Bronze Stars are awarded only for heroism in combat.