The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Edward R. Murphy, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing the three-man crew of a grounded fishing boat off Centerville Beach County Park, Ferndale, California, on the early morning of 21 March 1966. Using a rope found on the beach for a lifeline, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Shirley H. Elliott and Lieutenant Edward R. Murphy, Jr., swam approximately 35 yards to the stricken craft and succeeded in helping the three fishermen, one of whom was suffering from shock, to the shore. By their prompt and courageous actions in the face of grave personal risk, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Elliott and Lieutenant Murphy were directly instrumental in saving three lives.