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Office of Public Affairs |
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| News Release |
Date: March 18, 2009 |
Coast Guard awards Gold Lifesaving Medal to 16-year old killed during rescue- Video and Photo available- |
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SEATTLE - In this video released by the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral John Currier, Commander of the 13th Coast
SEATTLE - In this photo released by the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral John Currier, Commander of the 13th Coast SEATTLE - A Gold Lifesaving Medal was posthumously awarded to Ross Barfuss at Aloha High School, Aloha Ore., Thursday. Barfuss died at 16-years-old attempting to rescue a 12-year-old boy who was caught in heavy surf near Cutler City, Ore., March 8, 2008. The medal was presented to Barfuss' family by Rear Admiral John Currier, Commander of the 13th Coast Guard District. The 12-year-old boy had been swept to sea when Barfuss put his own life in danger by attempting a rescue. Depoe Bay Fire and Rescue recovered the 12-year-old boy and transported him to the Lincoln City Hospital where he was declared dead. Barfuss went missing shortly after his rescue attempt. Coast Guard crews from Station Depoe Bay, Ore., and Air Station North Bend, Ore. searched for Barfuss without any success. Barfuss will be recognized for his unselfish and heroic actions despite imminent personal danger. The Gold Lifesaving 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. The original press release for the case can be found by clicking here.
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