HATTERAS, N.C. - Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Erik Watson, Executive Petty Officer of Coast Guard Station Hatteras, is congratulated by his father Hal Watson, wife Shae Watson and mother Kat Watson after being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal Wednesday, April 11, 2008. Watson recieved the award for his efforts in saving two elderly swimmers from drowning in a rip current near Hatteras on June 14, 2007. (U.S. Coast Guard photo provided by Chief Petty Officer Erik Watson)