The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Construction Electrician’s Mate John Curtis Clements, United States Navy, for heroism while serving at the American Embassy, Moscow, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 26 and 27 August 1977 during a disastrous multi-million dollar fire in the top floors of the Chancery. Upon arriving on the scene, Petty Officer Clements, on his own initiative, proceeded to the ground level to coordinate the cutting off of electricity and gas to the building. Returning to the top floors, he unhesitatingly started to evacuate personnel, escort Soviet fire fighters into the burning office spaces, and advise Soviet authorities of the construction and layout of the building. At the direct request of the Ambassador, Chief Petty Officer Clements was the first to enter sensitive areas to access damage and to personally fight a fire in an area off limits to Soviet fire fighters. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of grave personal risks, Petty Officer Clements ensured the security of classified equipment, the protection of government property, and the safety of personnel; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.