The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign Jerry L. McFerron, United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as co-pilot of a helicopter which crashed and burned in an open field at Imperial Beach, California, on 16 August 1958. Escaping from the wreckage of the fiercely burning aircraft, Ensign McFerron, upon realizing the plight of the remaining members of the crew, returned to the flaming helicopter in a daring attempt to rescue his companions. Sustaining severe burns, he nevertheless persisted in his rescue efforts until forcibly restrained by two fellow servicemen who had arrived on the scene.