The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Apprentice Charles F. jFawcett, United States Navy, for heroism while serving aboard U.S.S. ASHTABULA (AO-51), at sea on the night of 20 October 1964. Learning that two men had become asphyxiated within a fume-filled aviation gasoline tank, Seaman Apprentice Fawcett, fully aware of the personal dangers involved, voluntarily descended to a depth of over 30 feet into the dimly lighted tank, tied a lifeline around one of the unconscious men, and protected him from further injury during the removal from the tank. After a short period of recuperation outside the tank, Seaman Apprentice Fawcett again volunteered to attempt a rescue of the second man, who was lying unconscious on the bottom of the tank, over 18 feet below. Despite the immediate danger that the intricate series of ladders could foul his own lifeline and air hose, leaving him trapped in the tank, Seaman Apprentice Fawcett persisted in his efforts until he succeeded in rescuing the second victim.