The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Machinist’s Mate Fireman Apprentice Adrien A. Crete, United States Navy, for heroism on 10 September 1965 while serving on board U.S.S. ROBERT A. OWENS (DD-827), moored with U.S.S. WALDRON (DD-699) alongside to starboard. When a shipmate fell from a ladder, striking his head on the deck edge of a ship moored alongside OWENS, and fell unconscious into the water between the two ships, Machinist’s Mate Fireman Apprentice Crete leaped into the water, dived beneath the surface and succeeded in locating the unconscious man. After bringing him to the surface, Machinist’s Mate Fireman Apprentice Crete wedged himself between the two ships and held the victim’s head above water until assisted by others in completing the rescue. Through his prompt and courageous action in risking his life to save that of another, Machinist’s Mate Fireman Apprentice Crete upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.