The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Captain Richard Allen Christie, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with FIRST Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Camp Pendleton, California on 19 January 1986. At approximately 0130 while driving to his residence in San Clemente, California, Captain Christie observed a vehicle crash through a guard rail on an interstate highway, plunge 35 feet onto the street below, and burst into flames. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he rushed to the scene of the accident and immediately began rescuing the unconscious passenger who was trapped in the burning van. Breaking the rear window of the van, Captain Christie loosened the man’s feet and dragged him to safety just minutes before the vehicle was entirely engulfed in flames. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Captain Christie saved the victim’s life; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.