The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Sergeant Francis W. McKinney, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Training Noncommissioned Officer with Marine Air Base Squadron TWENTY-FOUR, Marine Aircraft Group TWENTY-FOUR, First Marine Brigade in Hawaii. On 2 May 1970, Sergeant McKinney was a passenger aboard a chartered fishing boat operating several miles off the island of Oahu when the vessel lurched, causing another passenger to strike his head and fall overboard. Fully aware that this area of the sea was known to be infested with sharks, Sergeant McKinney nevertheless unhesitatingly dived into the water and swam through the turbulent surf to the side of the dazed and struggling victim. During the considerable length of time required for the boat’s pilot to bring the vessel about and locate the two men in the high sea, Sergeant McKinney encouraged and calmed his companion and kept the man’s head above water until a rescue was effected. Sergeant McKinney’s courage, bold initiative, and selfless concern for his fellowman were instrumental in saving a life and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.