The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Ensign Albert J. Hickman, United States Navy, for heroism on 4 December 1959 as pilot of a Jet-Fighter aircraft in Navy Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VF-121) during a return flight to his home base at Naval Air Station, Miramar, Calif. When his aircraft went out of control as he maneuvered about the station preparatory to entering the traffic pattern, Ensign Hickman elected to remain with his craft in order to steer clear of a populated area comprising a large housing development and an elementary school. Through skillful maneuvering, he succeeded in avoiding the residential and school area, but descended below the minimum ejection altitude, sacrificing his life in the ensuing crash. Through his courageous and selfless action, Ensign Hickman undoubtedly saved many lives.