The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant David Donald James, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Amphibious Boat Noncommissioned Officer, First Force Reconnaissance Company, First Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Intelligence Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Forces Pacific, Camp Pendleton, California, from 17 to 20 January 1993. With no notice for swift water rescue teams, Sergeant James assembled teams in response to an emergency call to rescue a Light Armored Vehicle crew stranded in the swollen and raging Santa Margarita River. When en route to rescuing the stranded crew, off-duty Marines in a privately owned vehicle, disregarding high water barricades, sped through the Vandegrift/Stuart Mesa intersection and submerged their vehicle in the flooding currents. Sergeant James quickly adapted and rescued the trapped Marines from the roof of their disabled vehicle. Maneuvering through the violent, unknown waters, dangerous undertows, and submerged obstacles and debris, he recovered both the Light Armored Vehicle crew and its communication equipment. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Sergeant James reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.