Corpus Christi Coast Guard Members to Receive Awards

Local Coast Guard personnel from Sector Corpus Christi will be receiving personal awards for their heroism during Hurricane Katrina in an awards ceremony Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Helicopter aircrew members will be presented several awards including the Coast Guard Medal, The Air Medal and six Coast Guard Commendation Medals.

Aviation Survival Technician Third Class Robert Williams is to receive the Coast Guard Medal. Petty Officer Williams is a Rescue Swimmer who organized and led the rescue of 150 desperate people from the roof top of a flooded hotel in New Orleans, including three men who threatened him with knives wanting to be rescued first. Lieutenant Junior Grade Dan Howe, an HH-65B Dolphin Helicopter pilot, will be recognized with an Air Medal. LTJG Howe was part of an aircrew that directly hoisted 37 people from the flooded areas of New Orleans and organized the rescue of 70 residents of a nursing home surrounded by floodwaters. Six other pilots and aircrew personnel will be awarded Coast Guard Commendation Medals for their efforts in New Orleans. Captain Ronald Branch, Coast Guard Eighth District Chief of Staff from New Orleans, will be assisting in the presentation of the awards. Numerous Coast Guard units and personnel in the Corpus Christi area assisted with the rescue effort following Hurricane Katrina including aviation aircrews, Prevention personnel, patrol boats, Aids to Navigation teams, Reservists and Auxiliary members.