The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Buford Bedford Ballard (NSN: 5635048), United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing an injured officer pilot who had been rendered helpless in the crash of his aircraft at Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, on 17 December 1946. Under conditions of great personal danger from burning gasoline in the aircraft and its immediate vicinity, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he voluntarily and courageously entered the area of burning gasoline, extricated the pilot from the burning aircraft and carried him to safety, then extinguished the pilot’s burning clothes with his bare hands despite painful burns to himself sustained. His prompt and immediate action undoubtedly saved the pilot’s life. His heroic conduct, performed in the face of great danger to himself was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.