The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Third Class James R. Owens, United States Navy, for heroic conduct on 29 August 1962 during a visit of his ship, U.S.S. MIDDLESEX COUNTY (LST-983), to Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Observing an excited crowd of people a short distance from where they were swimming at a local Beach, Gunner’s Mate Third Class James R. Owens and Fire Control Technician Third Class Harry G. Hoover immediately raced to the scene and sighted a man floundering in the treacherous surf about 120 yards from the shore. Although the crowd warned them of the strong possibility of sharks, they entered the water, swam to the struggling victim, and succeeded in bringing him back through the dangerous undertow to the safety of the beach.