HOUSTON -- Capt. Marcus Woodring, commander of Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston, presented awards to Steve Conway and the family of Roger Stone for heroism and valor at a ceremony on the Mitchell Campus of Texas A&M University at Galveston, Monday, July 27, 2009.
Both men were recognized for their heroic actions after the capsizing of the sailing vessel Cynthia Woods, June 6, 2008. The family of Roger Stone accepted the Gold Lifesaving Medal. This medal was established by Congress in 1874 and is one of the oldest military medals. Since then, approximately 700 medals have been awarded.
In contrast, the Medal of Honor, established approximately 10 years earlier, has been awarded 3,448 times. The Gold Lifesaving Medal is awarded by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to any person who rescues, or endeavors to rescue, any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water. To merit the award of the Gold Lifesaving Medal, the rescue must be made at the risk to one's own life and show extreme heroic daring. The Coast Guard is the ultimate award authority for the Lifesaving Medal and issues the decorations to members of all military branches as well as civilians.
Steve Conway received a Certificate of Valor, which is awarded to those who exhibit courage in saving a life or attempting to save a life at extreme risk.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Kelley)
Subscribe
