The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Electronics Technician Second Class (Aviation Warfare) Gary V. Ammons, United States Army Air Forces, for heroism while serving as an Aviation Electronics Technician at Naval Air Station, Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia. On the evening of 13 June 2000, demonstrating exceptional courage and extreme bravery in the face of grave danger, Petty Officer Ammons alerted residents who were unaware of danger and assisted them in evacuating the Royal Pointe Apartment complex which was engulfed inf lames. Without regard for his personal safety and amidst a raging fire, he aided an 85-year-old woman who was trapped because of burning and collapsed walls in her apartment. Petty Officer Ammons’ efforts to save his elderly disabled neighbor required disconnecting her oxygen support system and carrying her to safety over a four-foot wall. With the fire spreading rapidly throughout his apartment complex, he ensured that all 22 tenants escaped unharmed. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Ammons saved the lives of his neighbors, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.