The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Cryptologic Technician Second Class Ronald L. Britton, United States Navy, for heroism while serving at the Intelligence Center Pacific, Hawaii, on 31 July 1981. Upon observing a young male preparing to leap from the fifth level of the Honolulu International Airport parking structure, Petty Officer Britton, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the perils inherent in dealing with distraught persons, immediately went to the structure’s edge to ascertain the severity of the situation. Once assured of the victim’s seriousness, Petty Officer Britton engaged the individual in well-structured, persuasive conversation that thwarted the suicide attempt and he, subsequently, participated in the man’s rescue. By his compassionate and prompt actions in the face of extreme uncertainty and personal risk, Petty Officer Britton undoubtedly prevented the man from taking his own life; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.