The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Patrick M. Melton, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 22d Marine Amphibious Unit. On 29 August 1986 at 1830 in Vestfjord, Norway, the helicopter in which Lance Corporal Melton was a passenger crashed into the frigid Norwegian Sea. Freeing himself from the debris, he egressed from the stricken helicopter and climbed atop the floating tail section. Upon seeing a Marine emerge from the helicopter entangled in chains and debris, Lance Corporal Melton, unhesitatingly jumped into the artic waters and began to help the Marine free himself of the outsweepings of the crash, risking his own entanglement. Leaving him, Lance Corporal Melton came to the assistance of another Marine trying to keep afloat, a semiconscious survivor. He then assisted the dazed Marine through the icy water and helicopter debris to the life raft, where he assisted him into the raft despite his numerous injuries and worsening fatigue. By his courageous and prompt actions at the risk of his own life, Lance Corporal Melton saved the Marines from drowning; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.