The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Mechanical) Third Class Ronald E. Johme, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in connection with the rescue of two men from drowning at La Jolla Shores Beach, California, on the afternoon of 20 April 1958. Responding to the calls for help coming from two swimmers who were suddenly pulled under water and out to sea by a strong rip tide, Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Mechanical) Third Class Johme swam a distance of approximately ninety yards in the face of extremely rough surf to reach the victims. Although pulled under the water several times by one of the struggling men, he succeeded in quieting him so that a shipmate could tow the man to safety. Proceeding to the aid of the second victim, who was floating face down in the water, Aviation Support Equipment Technician (Mechanical) Third Class Johme turned him over and brought him to shore where he administered artificial respiration until he himself lost consciousness from exhaustion.