The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant Spencer L. Bennett, United States Marine Corps, for heroism on 28 May 1969 while embarked as a passenger in a U.S. Army UH-1D helicopter which crashed in a cane field near U.S. Naval Station, ROOSEVELT ROADS, Puerto Rico. After emerging injured from the wreckage, Sergeant Bennett returned to the burning aircraft and assisted in freeing the injured co-pilot and removing him from danger. Sergeant Bennett then observed another passenger standing near the aircraft in a dazed condition with his clothing on fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and fully aware of the possibility of explosion from the fuel tanks, Sergeant Bennett returned to the burning wreckage and led the dazed man to safety. After extinguishing the man’s burning clothing with his hands, Sergeant Bennett assisted in moving the injured man 300 yards to a highway where he stopped a passing motorist who took them to a hospital. Sergeant Bennett’s prompt and courageous actions in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.