BMC David Michael Ramsey is a retired United States Coast Guard Chief Boatswain’s Mate, designated as Surfman #374. He is most notable for being awarded the prestigious AFRAS Gold Medal for Bravery for a heroic rescue operation in 2006. 

The 2006 Rescue Operation

On January 15, 2006, Ramsey (then a Boatswain’s Mate First Class, BM1) commanded a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB 47248) during an extreme storm at the Columbia River Bar, known famously as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”.

• The Emergency: A 50-foot fishing vessel, the Catherine M, was nearly flooded, disabled, and drifting perilously close to the rocks.
• The Conditions: The sea conditions were severe, featuring 25- to 35-foot seas with breaking waves peaking at 25 feet.
• The Decision: Though he was not yet a fully certified Surfman at the time, Ramsey made the critical tactical decision to navigate into the high-risk Peacock Spit area. He successfully towed and saved the vessel and its crew. 

Career & Honors

• Surfman Qualification: Following his heroic actions, he officially received his Surfman qualification on March 10, 2006, listed as Surfman #374 on the official USCG Surfman Register. 
• Gold Medal for Bravery: He formally received the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) Gold Medal for Bravery in 2007, presented in Washington D.C. by the Coast Guard Commandant and Congress. 
• Service Status: He later advanced to Chief Petty Officer (BMC) and eventually retired from active duty as a 100% combat service-disabled veteran.