The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Jerry Dan Byars (NSN: 3525375), United States Navy, for heroism on 29 July 1967, while serving with a fighter squadron aboard U.S.S. FORRESTAL (CVA-59). Petty Officer Byars directed the evacuation of the night maintenance crew from their berthing quarters following a fire on the flight deck and numerous bomb detonations. He remained within the burning compartment aiding the escape for many of his shipmates until overcome by the fire, sacrificing his life so that others might live.