The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunnery Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Paul M. Gallion, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as CH-46E Crew Chief, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE-HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 3 December 2006, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After conducting several sassing movements that morning, Gunnery Sergeant Gallion’s aircraft unit, “Sexton 32,” landed at the landing pad on top of the Haditha Dam and loaded passengers for movement to Al Asad Air Base. While awaiting take off, he observed the lead CH-46E helicopter begin to transition toward flight, but lose altitude, strike the Haditha Dam wall, and careen into the water below. He immediately debarked his aircraft. Quickly gathering nearby Marines, gunnery Sergeant Gallion sprinted down the dam wall, and at the risk to his own life, fearlessly entered the frigid waters to extract survivors to safety. After single-handedly pulling two civilians out of the water, he directed the Marines who were just arriving to form a human chain anchored on the shore. Gunnery Sergeant Gallion then led this human chain out into the water and pulled several more survivors to safety. Once back on shore he observed two helmets floating in the waters and again swam through the frigid waters to investigate and assist. Through his extraordinary actions and repeated risk to his own life, he directly contributed to saving the lives of at least six personnel that day. Gunnery Sergeant Gallion’s courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.