Coast Guardsman - Master Chief Boatswain Mate (BMCM) Robert E. "Bobby" Hill of Beaufort, NC was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for heroism on the morning of 19 January 1968 while serving as coxswain of the CG-253072, attached to the U.S.C.G.C. ABSECON (WHEC-374), engaged in the perilous rescue of 16 persons from the disabled motor vessel OCEAN SPRINTER in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The ABSECON, diverted from Ocean Station Delta to assist, assumed on-scene command and advised the crew of the stricken vessel of the evacuation plan. Due to the severity of the weather, winds over 40 knots, and seas constantly in excess of 20 feet, rescue operations were delayed awaiting daylight. At daybreak, despite heavy seas and freezing temperatures, the CG-253072, manned by volunteers, was dispatched from the ABSECON on three separate trips. Petty Officer Hill skillfully maneuvered the boat through the heavy seaway to a position alongside the OCEAN SPRINTER from which the crew of the ship could enter the boat from a Jacob's ladder. On the second and third trips the rescue boat, which was leaking excessively, had to be repaired and dewatered prior to return to the heavily listing ship. All crewmen of the ship were rescued and evacuated to the ABSECON. During this hazardous rescue operation, Petty Officer Hill, by his prompt actions, helped save the life of a fellow Coastguardsman who was thrown from the rescue boat.
