The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Joseph J. Harrison, United States Navy, for heroic conduct on 2 December 1961 while in a liberty status from the U.S. Naval Security Group Activity, Bremerhaven, Germany. When a shipmate accidentally stepped into a silted mud hole while duck hunting, and was slowly being engulfed in a quicksand-line action, Boatswain’s Mate First Class Harrison immediately went to his aid, fully realizing the personal danger involved. During the following two hours, he single-handedly struggled to release the stricken man, finally succeeding a short time before darkness fell and the tide began to flood. By his prompt and heroic efforts, Boatswain’s Mate First Class Harrison undoubtedly saved the life of his companion.