The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Vincent Ciarla, United States Navy, for heroism while attached to Naval Technical Training Center on board Naval Air Station, Meridian, Mississippi on 5 April 1980. Seaman Apprentice Ciarla observed a canoe containing three persons capsize and their unsuccessful attempts to right the canoe. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, Seaman Apprentice Ciarla unhesitatingly plunged into the frigid waters in an attempt to rescue the victims. He secured a life jacket around one victim and pulled her to the safety of the canoe. Seaman Apprentice Ciarla then made several unsuccessful attempts to locate a third victim who had not surfaced. By his prompt and courageous actions in the face of danger, Seaman Apprentice Ciarla undoubtedly prevented a certain multiple drowning; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.