A Department of Commerce Medal of Award for Exceptional Service to F.H. Wheeler, Feb. 14, 1951 makes for interesting research which indicates that this is Floyd Hall Wheeler. From his obituary in the Anchorage Daily News, March 25, 1995:

It appears that the obituary is incorrect. I can find no information about Mr. Wheeler receiving the "Presidential Medal of Heroism." But I did find an account of the Exceptional Service noted on the medal.

Nome Nugget, June 16, 1950.
WHEELER CITED BY CAA FOR ICE FLOE RESCUE

Nome Nugget, February 7, 1951.
FLOYD WHEELER OF CAA TO RECEIVE GOLD AWARD

Heritage has listed only one of these medals, a 1966 version, weighing 51.5 grams, testing 14K. This medal is a bit lighter at 46 grams, presumably 14K. Both sides were designed by Frank Gasparro.