The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Jerry M. Roberson, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in rescuing a shipmate who had leaped into the East River from the flight deck of U.S.S. INTREPID (CVS-11), which was moored to Pier K, New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, New York, on 31 August 1965. Upon observing a shipmate floundering in the water, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Roberson dived overboard and swam to the side of the victim. Although the drowning man fiercely resisted all rescue attempts, and despite the treacherous current and strong undertow, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Roberson succeeded in keeping him afloat until assistance was available. By his prompt and courageous actions in the face of grave personal risk, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Roberson was directly responsible for saving another man’s life.