The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William L. Arbogast (MCSN: 0-84194), United States Marine Corps, for heroism at the risk of life while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-363), from 24 December 1964 to 26 December 1964. While participating in rescue and humanitarian relief operations in Humbolt Country, California disaster area, First Lieutenant Arbogast as the co-pilot of a helicopter did, due to the urgency of the mission and knowing that uncharted power and communication lines existed across his flight path, repeatedly and heroically expose himself to extremely hazardous situations which required a conspicuously high level of aeronautical skill and mature judgment to relieve the suffering of the civilian populace in the disaster area. The constant foul weather made flight operations close to impossible in mountainous terrain which is hazardous to flight under best of conditions. By his aggressive attitude and superbly skillful airmanship, he was able under extremely adverse conditions to evacuate the sick and homeless and to deliver medicine, food and other vital supplies to those in desperate need. He gave his life in an attempt to bring help and comfort to the disaster victims and to prevent additional loss of life. His meritorious and selfless conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.