Coast Guard members awarded for heroic efforts during NC fireworks explosion

HATTERAS, N.C. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Buchanan, Station Hatteras Inlet crewmember, his aunt, Wanda Becton, and his mother, Barbara Erwin stand with him after a Coast Guard Medal presentation ceremony at Hatteras, Friday, June 4, 2010. Buchanan received the medal for his heroic efforts during a fireworks truck explosion on July 4, 2009 in which he helped save one life and prevented further injuries to others in the area. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Henise.

HATTERAS, N.C. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Atkinson, Station Hatteras Inlet crewmember, his wife, Elizabeth Atkinson, and Rear Adm. Wayne Justice, Coast Guard 5th District commanding officer, hold Atkinson's Coast Guard Commendation Medal citation following a ceremony at Hatteras, Friday, June 4, 2010. Atkinson received the medal for his heroic efforts during a fireworks truck explosion on July 4, 2009. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Henise

HATTERAS, N.C. – Rear Adm. Wayne Justice, Coast Guard 5^th District commanding officer, presents Petty Officer 2^nd Class Michael Buchanan, Station Hatteras Inlet crewmember, with the Coast Guard Medal during a ceremony at Hatteras, Friday. Buchanan received the medal for his heroic efforts during a fireworks truck explosion on July 4, 2009 in which he helped save one life and prevented further injuries to others in the area.

"I couldn't be prouder. I can't say it any better than that," said Justice. "It's a great honor to be here to present these medals to them." Photo by Petty Officer 2^nd Class Nathan Henise.

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