The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Robert Francis Fiorino, United States Navy, for heroism on board U.S.S. WHIPPLE (FF-1062) on 22 August 1978 while participating in the humanitarian rescue of 410 Vietnamese refugees at sea. During the initial stages of this effort, Seaman Fiorino saw that many of those aboard the refugee boat were injured and in a state of near panic because the vessel was being dashed and splintered against the side of U.S.S. WHIPPLE. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, he unhesitatingly lowered himself overboard and into the sinking craft to assist, instruct, and guide many of the adults and older children to safety. Forced to work at a point where the two vessels came closest together, Seaman Fiorino was thus exposed to the added perils of broken railings, coamings and bulwarks, and a constant assault of wooden fragments and splinters. He skillfully managed, however, to utilize makeshift harnesses to help over 250 of the refugees be lifted aboard U.S.S. WHIPPLE. By his courageous and swift actions, Seaman Fiorino undoubtedly saved a substantial number of lives and prevented many serious injuries; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.