The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Edward A. Diaz, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as Administrative Assistant, Mobile Medical Augmentation Readiness Team/Surgical Team 2, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 8, on 31 July 1996. Petty Officer Diaz distinguished himself while responding to an accident involving a U.S. Embassy employee in downtown Monrovia, Liberia. A fuel truck involved int eh accident was severely damaged and leaking raw fuel, presenting an imminent threat of explosion and fire. Unarmed, Petty Officer Diaz forced his way to the injured man through the openly hostile crowd of several hundred Liberian Nationals. Without regard for his own safety, Petty Officer Diaz calmly and professionally assessed, stabilized, and evacuated the injured man more than 50 yards through the riotous crowd. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Diaz was instrumental in preventing further injury and loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.