The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Airman Apprentice William A. Peterson, United States Navy, for heroism on the night of 28 December 1963 while serving at the U.S. Naval Air Station, Glynco, Georgia. Observing smoke and flames emanating from a nearby residence, Airman Apprentice Peterson rushed to the scene, forced his way into the burning structure through a bedroom window, and succeeded in rescuing three children and their father, the latter having been overcome by smoke while attempting to rescue his children. By his outstanding courage, promptness, and perseverance in the face of grave personal risk, Airman Apprentice Peterson was directly responsible for preventing any loss of life in the fire-engulfed home.