The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class R. Alba (NSN: 6655563), United States Navy, for heroism on the night of 3 December 1943, when Tarawa Atoll was subjected to heavy bombing by enemy aircraft. A gas tank of an airplane exploded but due to his efficient action the fire was promptly extinguished and the rest of the plane salvaged. He also aided in saving several fighter planes from destruction at the hands of a flaming gasoline dump. He, in spite of intense heat and flying shrapnel from the fires, voluntarily exposed himself so that much equipment might be saved from damage. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.