The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, January 27, 1996             TAG: 9601270243
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA 
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY                     LENGTH: Short :   49 lines

A COAST GUARD ROOKIE RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR HIS BRAVERY

Seaman Apprentice John D. Gaulin had just 8 1/2 months experience in the U.S. Coast Guard when he was formally recognized Friday for helping save someone's life.

Rookie status aside, Gaulin's letter of commendation was a bit unusual because the Portsmouth native works for one of the Elizabeth City base's less glamorous commands - the Support Center - and the life he helped save with two colleagues was one of the guard's own.

On the evening of Jan. 17, fireman Joshua Fitzjerald passed out during an extended underwater swim at the pool on the Coast Guard base.

Petty Officer Kenyon D. Young noticed something strange about his swimming partner and immediately jumped in to save him.

Young, an aviation electrician's mate third class, received the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for his part in the rescue.

``Petty Officer Young performed admirably in an extremely stressful situation. His alertness and rapid response undoubtedly saved the life of his classmate,'' read the citation that accompanied the award.

Seaman John E. Beedy assisted by clearing Fitzjerald's airway and assisting in rescue breathing. Like Gaulin, who was the lifeguard on duty, Beedy received a letter of commendation and ribbon.

``We don't get a chance to give lifesaving awards,'' said Capt. Lewis C. Dunn of the Aviation Technical Training Center, where Friday's ceremony took place.

The auditorium was standing-room-only with more than 100 blue-uniformed officers and enlisted members at the 10-minute ceremony.

The ATTC helps train all enlisted aviators in the Coast Guard, including those who go on to perform rescues at sea.

The Support Center, where Gaulin works, is in charge of the facilities and streets on the sprawling base along the Pasquotank River.

``Our stuff is pretty unglamorous - maintaining roads and buildings,'' joked Capt. John K. Miner, who presented Gaulin's award.

Both captains said Friday's ceremony helped to illustrate the Coast Guard's lifesaving mission.

``It points out to us that a life can be saved at anytime, and especially when you least expect it,'' Dunn said.

KEYWORDS: RESCUE U.S. COAST GUARD HERO by CNB