Retired - After 8 years with BloodSource [California Blood Bank], 3 year's with Catheys Valley Volunteer Fire Department as EMT and fire fighter, 24 years with Hewlett-Packard/Agilent Technologies, and 20 years 5 months with USCG.
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
USCGC Burton Island (WAGB 283) Long Beach, California - for service as set forth in the following - Citation: "For exceptionally meritorious service from 15 September 1975 to 5 October 1975 while providing icebreaking escort and support services to vessels engaged in resupply operations along the North Slope of Alaska. During this period extremely hazardous and dangerous ice and weather conditions had caused a complete stoppage of sea-borne commerce to the northern portion of Alaska. Deployed on short notice, interrupting a yard availability period and a period scheduled for a well-earned rest for the crew, CGC Burton Island promptly proceeded to the vicinity of the ice edge to join other Coast Guard vessels for a combined effort to escort supply vessels into the Prudhoe Bay area. Despite the lateness of the season, continuous advers weather, and the constant presence of polar pack ice, personnel of CGC Burton Island provided assistance to numerous vessels in completing their missions. Additionally, in company with the Coast Guard Cutters Storis and Citrus, personnel of CGC Burton Island provided icebreaking escort for 15 tugs and barges in a heroic attempt to get vital supplies to the oil fields at Prudhoe Bay. In this endeavor, personnel forged an opening through frozen leads; battled ice several feet thick; freed tugs which became beset; provided helicopter ice reconnaissance flights; and provided other vital services which contributed significantly to the tugs ability to deliver their valuable cargo to Prudhoe Bay and exit the area to ice-free waters. The perseverance, professional skill, and untiring efforts of the crew of the CGC Burton Island throughout the entire arduous mission averted a delay in the development of the North Slope oil fields which are vital to the national interest of the United States. The dedication, teamwork and relentless pursuit of their goal by the officers and crew of CGC Burton Island during this mission are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard." The Operational Distinguishing Device is authorized. All personnel attached to and serving in USCGC Burton Island (WAGB 283) during the above designated period are hereby authorized to wear the Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon. - - O.W. Siler Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard
