The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Master Sergeant Joseph V. Agro (MCSN: 262211), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in rescuing an injured pilot from an overturned, gasoline-drenched aircraft and averting a major disaster from possible fire aboard the U.S.S. BADOENG STRAIT (DVE-116), on 30 October 1952. Master Sergeant Agro was at his assigned deck station aboard the carrier when a landing Corsair aircraft crashed into the barrier, flipped over violently and trapped the injured pilot in the crushed cockpit. At considerable risk to his own life, Master Sergeant Agro rushed to the damaged aircraft which was becoming drenched with gasoline from broken fuel lines and was in immanent danger of being engulfed in flames since the battery and radio switches were in the “On” position. Directing the crash crew to raise the tail of the broken aircraft, he quickly and methodically released and removed the injured pilot, turning him over to medical personnel. Then waving others to safety, he immediately squirmed through the aperture where the engine had broken away from the fuselage. With exceptional initiative, he plugged broken fuel lines with wooden pencils, successfully halting the flow of gasoline, and disconnected the battery. The heroic actions of Master Sergeant Agro saved the pilot from a profuse loss of blood and averted a costly fire. His courageous conduct, exceptional initiative and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.