The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Thomas G. O’Dell, United States Navy, for heroic action in the rescue of two men whose boat had capsized about 900 yards offshore at NAS Point Mugu, California, on 28 February 1965. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Floyd Heady and Radarman Third Class Thomas O’Dell, who were fishing in the vicinity, were first to hear the cries for help. Radarman Third Class O’Dell plunged fully clothed into the cold water and swam to them with a life preserver. He then succeeded in getting one of the men to shore. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Heady, who was on the beach, was told that one man was still with the capsized boat. He seized a nearby surfboard and swam through strong rip-tide waters, to the near-drowning victim and brought him back to shore. The prompt actions of the two sailors undoubtedly saved the lives of the two victims.