The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Third Class Robert E. Bolinger (NSN: 3670627), United States Navy, for heroic service while attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. OZBOURN (DD-846) during the operations of that ship with Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN against the enemy in the Korean area on 6 August 1952. On that date a serious fire on the U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21) forced many men to jump over the side to save their lives. During rescue of other men in the water by the OZBOURN, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Bolinger noted that G. A. Smole, USN, unable to swim, was weakly supporting himself by clinging to a floating object in serious danger of losing his grip and drowning. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Bolinger, at considerable personal risk, disregarding his own safety, unhesitatingly dove into the sea and rescued the exhausted man. His courageous conduct and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.