The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant Victor De Curtis, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Sub Unit ne, First Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 October 1970, Sergeant De Curtis was operating in support of the Second Battalion, Second Republic of Korea Marine Brigade near Hoi An when the area was lashed by torrential rains which inundated the entire command post sector, with water rising to more than ten feet. Observing a group of young Koreans stranded at the far end of the compound, Sergeant t De Curtis unhesitatingly jumped into the murky, debris-laden water and swam across the compound to aid the frightened people. With complete disregard for his own safety, he carried more than twenty Korean Marines on his back, one at a time, through the deep water to the collection point from which they were subsequently evacuated by helicopter. During rescue operations, when one of the CH-53 helicopters was endangered by several radio antennas, Sergeant De Curtis again risked his life as he swam under the hovering aircraft and quickly removed the dangerous obstructions. Sergeant De Curtis’ courage, bold initiative, and selfless concern for his fellowman 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.