The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Dale Akridge, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as a Hospital Corpsman with Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223). On 24 January 1945, he rushed to the scene of a crashed airplane which had exploded and burned while many people were trying to rescue the pilot, causing a great many serious casualties. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Akridge crawled to the plane, despite the fiercely burning fire and exploding ammunition from the wrecked craft, and dragged a badly burned man to safety. He again risked his life by crawling back to the plane to assist in helping several others, who were still alive, to a safe place. Although he was the only Corpsman there, he set about giving first-aid until the ambulance arrived when he assisted in the removal of all wounded to the hospital. His prompt action and gallant conduct undoubtedly prevented a larger casualty list. His heroic conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.