The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boilerman First Class Peter P. Slempa, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism in assisting in the rescue of flood victims in the DaNang area, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 November 1964. Traveling across the already flooded DaNang River Bridge, Boilerman First Class Slempa, observing many Vietnamese flood victims in various stages of distress, rendered immediate assistance, leading or carrying people on his back from seriously endangered areas to his truck. After making four round trips to safe locations, he searched homes for other flood victims and was responsible for saving many lives. During this period, heavy rains, gusty winds, a water level of several feet on the bridge roadway and floating debris carried by swift currents made rescue efforts extremely hazardous. Boilerman First Class Slempa continued in his rescue efforts until river and road conditions made further efforts on his part impossible.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
-
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Petty Officer Peter P. Slempa, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism on the morning of 3 September 1966, as jump master in an aircraft loaded with Vietnamese parachute trainees. Observing that a member of the second stick of jumpers exited poorly and was caught in the static line of the preceding jumper, Chief Petty Officer Slempa immediately initiated the correct emergent procedures, directing the assistant jump master to join him in pulling the jumper back into the aircraft. After much difficulty, the inert body was brought to the lip of the aircraft’s tail ramp, but could not be pulled further. Without hesitation, Chief Petty Officer Slempa crawled to the edge of the ramp and, grasping what foothold he could, extended his body over the edge of the ramp, out of the plane, to assist the stricken jumper. This effort was successful in bringing the man into the aircraft. Discovering that the man was unconscious and not breathing, Chief Petty Officer Slempa prepared to start mouth-to-mouth respiration, when a sharp blow on the jumper’s chest, struck to release the parachute harness lock-box, initiated breathing. By his prompt and courageous efforts in the face of great personal risk, Chief Petty Officer Slempa undoubtedly saved a life and upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.