The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Caleb P. Thompson, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a Reconnaissance Man, Force Reconnaissance Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 19 July 2015. While traveling along Interstate 10 in Arizona in an off-duty status, Corporal Thompson came upon a serious accident. A vehicle, with two occupants, was precariously suspended over a river after a bridge had collapsed due to heavy rain. Demonstrating exceptional bravery and resourcefulness, Corporal Thompson climbed down to the vehicle and used materials around him to help stabilize the vehicle and prevent it from falling into the river below. He then climbed hand-over-hand along a broken portion of the bridge to secure a towing strap he acquired from another motorist between the vehicle and an undamaged portion of guardrail. Ignoring his own safety, he climbed hand-over-hand back to the vehicle, broke the window of the vehicle and safely extracted one passenger. During his efforts, a large chunk of asphalt from the damaged road above fell and crushed a portion of the vehicle where he had been moments before. Despite falling debris and the constant danger of the vehicle falling into the flooded river below, Corporal Thompson continued to attempt to free the other trapped motorist until emergency services arrived and took over rescue efforts. Corporal Thompson’s decisive response and calm demeanor throughout the ordeal prevented further injury and possible loss of life. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Corporal Thompson prevented the loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.