[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOPHER J. D'AMELIO

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Christopher J. D'Amelio, Boatswain's Mate First Class, United States 
Coast Guard, a longtime resident of Aptos, California. Petty Officer 
D'Amelio has been selected to receive the 2002 Gold Medal from the 
Association for Rescue at Sea for his integral role in a rescue that 
occurred near Peacock Spit at the mouth of the Columbia River.
  Petty Officer D'Amelio deserves recognition for his heroic actions on 
September 2, 2001. His excellent performance as Surfman aboard Coast 
Guard Motor Life Boat 47248 was directly responsible for the saving of 
three lives. Petty Officer D'Amelio expertly maneuvered the MLB through 
plunging breakers 18 feet high to reach a capsized fishing boat. He 
calmly squared the bow into the oncoming surf and skillfully backed the 
MLB to the four individuals clinging to the overturned vessel. With the 
assistance of a rescue swimmer, Petty Officer D'Amelio successfully 
retrieved all four survivors and then escaped to calmer water where he 
and his crew could more accurately evaluate their condition. Upon 
discovering that one individual required immediate medical attention, 
Petty Officer D'Amelio quickly coordinated and directed the transfer of 
the individual to a waiting Coast Guard helicopter. Petty Officer 
D'Amelio's superb Surfman skills, his leadership, and his poise under 
great pressure prevented an already disastrous situation from becoming 
even worse.
  Since joining the United States Coast Guard in 1995, Petty Officer 
D'Amelio has consistently demonstrated the three core values--Honor, 
Respect, and Devotion to Duty--that have contributed to this service's 
distinguished heritage. In recognition of his repeated displays of 
leadership, bravery, and outstanding achievement Petty Officer D'Amelio 
has twice received the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, the Commandant's 
Letter of Commendation with the Operational Distinguishing Device, the 
Coast Guard Achievement Medal with the Operational Distinguishing 
Device, and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Operational 
Distinguishing Device. In addition Petty Officer D'Amelio was named the 
Enlisted Person of the Year for the Thirteenth Coast Guard District in 
2001.
  While maintaining his professional excellence, Petty Officer D'Amelio 
has also maintained the role of devoted husband and father. He and his 
wife, Courtney, have two children: Taylor Brooke D'Amelio and Matthew 
John D'Amelio. In all spheres of his life, Petty Officer D'Amelio's 
extraordinary efforts and superb accomplishments merit respect and 
appreciation. I offer him congratulations for his years of dedicated 
service in the United States Coast Guard, and it is my great honor to 
represent such a courageous constituent.

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