The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Master Sergeant Richard D. Engelby, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving at Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Dallas, Texas, on 14 December 1979. Upon hearing fire sirens at the apartment complex near his recruiting substation in Arlington, Texas, Master Sergeant Engelby, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved. Rushed into the burning building, alerted tenants to the danger, ensured that all apartments were vacant, and prevented tenants from returning to their apartments. Aware that continued presence in the apartment building could cause serious personal injury or death, he pursued two occupants into the building when the occupants failed to heed his warnings. With fire raging overhead and the apartment filled with poisonous fumes, smoke, and burning debris, he along with a fellow Marine, removed the occupants from the building. After the fire finally forced him from the building, Master Sergeant Engelby assisted local authorities in crowd control. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Master Sergeant Engelby undoubtedly prevented a tragic loss of life; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.