The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Anthony Alessi (MCSN: 2083349), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in rescuing a fellow Marine from drowning in the South China Sea off the beach at Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam on 25 September 1965. While serving with Headquarters and Service Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, Corporal Alessi responded instantly to distress calls from three men whose late afternoon swimming venture was on the brink of disaster. Swiftly approaching the men in the rough surf, he ascertained that two had reached safety, but the third was panicky and near exhaustion. With exceptional presence of mind and swimming skill, he evaded the man’s frantic grasp and, after calming him, towed him fifty yards against the strong tide to shallow water. By his gallant action in risking his own life to rescue a comrade, Corporal Alessi reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.