The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert A. Hatcher, United States Navy, for heroism on 8 and 9 December 1967, while serving at Iwakuni, Japan. When a boat in which he was a passenger capsized, Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hatcher repeatedly dived to re-enter the overturned boat and succeeded in rescuing a six-year-old boy. He then removed his life jacket for use as a float in an attempt to save the life of a six-month-old baby. He remained in the cold water for 10 hours assisting other members of the party who could not swim. After leading the seven to land, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hatcher succumbed to exhaustion and exposure.