The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to First Lieutenant Merle W. Asper (MCSN: 0-65068), United States Marine Corps, for heroism in the performance of an humanitarian act in the saving of a human being from death by drowning and attempting to save a second at South Laguna Beach, California, on 14 July 1956. While in an off-duty status, First Lieutenant Asper displayed outstanding courage and intrepidity when, after hearing distress calls from two men who had been swept seaward by a turbulent undercurrent, he raced to a vantage point on a rock jetty and dove into the treacherous sea. With complete disregard for his own safety, he swam to a would-be victim, Mr. Smithson who was at the point of exhaustion. Lieutenant Asper, with great difficulty and by using sound judgment, expertly physical assistance, and an extremely well-balanced psychological approach toward a drowning man, was able to bring Mr. Smithson to shore. Although nearly exhausted by the previous rescue, he dove back into the sea for a second time in a vain effort to assist in saving Mr. Alfred E. Braden. Lieutenant Asper’s unselfishness, sound judgment, and devotion to the preservation of the life of others at perilous danger to his own, are attributed meriting the profound admiration of all. His courageous action reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.