Charles Walter David Jr. (June 20, 1917 – March 29, 1943), who served as a Steward's Mate in the United States Coast Guard, died of pneumonia after rescuing other sailors from the frigid North Atlantic.

[1][2][3] He was assigned to the USCGC Comanche during World War II, which was assigned to escort a convoy that included the Dorchester, a troop transport, when it was torpedoed by a U-boat off Greenland.

David volunteered to dive into the frigid waters to rescue exhausted crew and passengers from the Dorchester.

David also rescued several other Comanche crew members, who grew exhausted.

[1] David's widow Kathleen and young son Neil received the award on his behalf.