The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class Jack A. Sherrill, Jr., United States Navy, for heroic conduct on the night of 15 August 1963 while serving on board U.S.S. SARATOGA (CVA-60) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sardinia. As Aircraft Director, Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class Sherrill, while performing his duties on the flight deck during night flight operations, observed that an aircraft had entered the glide slope and was rapidly approaching the ship for a landing. At this time the flight deck had not been cleared from a previous launch and re-spot. Sensing that a crash would ensue, he remained on his station in the center of the flight deck and, with only his “director wands,” attempted to attract the attention of the pilot of the approaching aircraft in sufficient time to prevent a crash. Although his efforts were in vain, he willingly and bravely sacrificed his life in an effort to preserve the lives of his shipmates, and the safety of his ship.