Mr. Rule, did a bit of searching on this subject and came across several accounts of the incident. In one of the accounts, a LCDR George C. Cook of the USS Tusk was noted as receiving a medal for Life Saving during the rescue. Is this the same George C. Cook who was Commander Oceanographic System Pacific (COSP) in the 1967-68 timeframe? I would note that Capt. Cook, as an Ensign, was awarded the Navy Cross during WW II for actions that resulted in the rescue of Australian Airmen from eminent capture by Japanese forces. Truly a member of the Greatest Generation.