The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Rex Beach (NSN: 3654049), United States Navy, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On the morning of 28 February 1943, when the Avenger Bomber in which he served as turret gunner crashed and burst into flames at the east end of the runway on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Beach displayed unusual gallantry and outstanding courage when, disregarding the extreme hazard from explosion of four 500-pound bombs with which the plane was loaded, he worked with Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Sanborn for ten minutes extricating the unconscious body of radio gunner Aviation Radioman Second Class James J. Burke, from the flaming wreckage of the plane. Accomplishing this task in spite of the fact that he was himself suffering from minor injuries to his hands, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Beach conducted himself with fortitude and self-sacrificing intrepidity in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.