The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant (MC) James E. Mullen, United States Navy, for heroism while voluntarily serving as Medical Officer of a helicopter rescue team dispatched by U.S.S. FORRESTAL (CVA-59) on 15 January 1966. The objective of the mission was to aid survivors of a U.S. Air Force VC-47 aircraft which had crashed on the remote and rugged slopes of Mount Helmos, on the Greek island of Peloponnisos, at an altitude of 7,680 feet. After several unsuccessful landing attempts by the pilot of the rescue helicopter, Lieutenant Mullen, at his own request, descended by hoist from the hovering craft to the steep slope of ice-crusted snow. He made his way to the crash site, rendered prompt medical assistance to four survivors and aided in their safe evacuation. Working in sub-freezing temperatures, he searched the hazardous terrain for other victims of the crash, remaining at the scene for five hours, until the last personnel of the rescue party were removed by helicopter. His prompt and courageous actions and selfless efforts throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.