The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Engineering Aide (Seabee Combat Warfare) Bobby J. Barker, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in the rescue of Doctor Brett Sanders on the afternoon of 3 October 1999. As Dr. Sanders was driving his vehicle through a bridge construction zone over Tennessee’s Obed River, his 1999 explorer struck the guard rail and was forced up and over the barrier railing. The vehicle came to rest, precipitously balanced on an outside bridge girder, 250 feet above the river. Precariously supported in this manner, it slid to the end of the rail, striking a steel support at the end of the bridge with nothing under the vehicle and driver except a 250 foot plunge into the river. First on the scene after the accident, Chief Barker, without regard to his own personal safety, ascertained someone was inside and immediately entered the vehicle. He revived the unconscious driver by administering first aid and then assisted him in exiting the vehicle. Chief Barker stayed with Dr. Sanders until competent medical attention arrived on the scene.. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Chief Barker prevented the loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.