The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Joseph H. Phillips, United States Navy, for heroism during the hours of darkness on the early morning of 25 October 1962, while en route from the U.S. Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, California, to his new command, U.S.S. ALFRED A. CUNNINGHAM (DD-752). Observing a burning vehicle along the side of the highway, and almost simultaneously noticing a man lying on the pavement in a pool of flaming gasoline, Seaman Phillips left his vehicle and immediately went to the aid of the unconscious victim. Although his efforts to remove the man from the burning fuel were momentarily thwarted when a sudden flash of flames erupted directly in his face, he continued in his rescue attempts until the victim was dragged to safety. By his prompt, courageous and determined efforts in the face of grave personal risk, Seaman Phillips undoubtedly saved the life of the unconscious man.