The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Photographic Intelligenceman First Class Ronald J. Thomann, United States Navy, for heroic conduct on the night of 20 September 1963 in connection with an attack by an unknown assailant on an elderly male pedestrian in Washington, D.C. While attempting to overtake an elderly friend in order to accompany him home, Photographic Intelligenceman First Class Thomann witnessed an attack on the older man by an assailant who knocked the victim to the ground. Rushing across the street through heavy traffic to the defense of his friend, Photographic Intelligenceman First Class Thomann was about to grapple with the attacker when the latter shot him, wounding him seriously, and fled from the scene. In rescuing another at the risk of his own life, Photographic Intelligenceman First Class Thomann displayed outstanding courage, determination, and selflessness, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.