The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Engineman Third Class Gary Lynn Nelson (NSN: B-587335), United States Navy, for heroism while serving with United States Forces engaged in riverine assault operations against the Viet Cong Communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 July 1969, Petty Officer Nelson was serving as Flame Thrower Operator aboard Zippo-FIVE, while conducting a defoliation mission against suspected enemy positions in the Rung Sat Special Zone. The port flame unit suddenly developed a leak causing gas to seep into his turret. He was in the process of reporting the leak to his boat captain when a flashback from the operating starboard unit ignited a fire within his turret and set his clothing on fire. Ignoring the pain and danger of remaining in his turret, Petty Officer Nelson turned off the valves on the three-hundred pound air pressure system which cut the power to the unit and prevented rupture of the air hoses. After all necessary precautions were taken and the fire brought under control, Petty Officer Nelson attended to his painful burns and attempted to extinguish the fire enveloping his body. He entered the engine room and turned a fire extinguisher on himself. Petty Officer Nelson’s quick and decisive actions, although his body and clothing were in flames, saved Zippo-FIVE from destruction and his fellow crew members from death. His daring actions and exemplary courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.