The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal Gary A. Gruenwald, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as a Marine Security Guard, American Embassy, Tunis, Tunisia on 10 October 1977. An American who was touring the city during the evening hours was approached by several Tunisians who kicked him to the ground and began to assault him. Upon hearing the sounds of distress and a cry for help, Corporal Gruenwald reacted immediately to assist the American who was seriously injured and facing death from his assailants. Although Corporal Gruenwald was attired in civilian clothes, his presence allowed the American time to escape the attack. As he tried to fend them off, the attackers, who were armed with knives, began to assault Corporal Gruenwald. Although exhausted from fending off his attackers and realizing he was outnumbered and could no longer fight them, he attempted to escape, but was seriously injured and left for dead in the street. He was later found by local Tunisians, stumbling in the darkness, bleeding profusely from his wounds, and in need of medical assistance. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Corporal Gruenwald was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow American, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.