The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Apprentice Mark Anson Walsh, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on U.S.S. ASSURANCE (AG-521) on 24 February 1976. Upon hearing the cries of a man who had fallen from Pier TANGO “I” at Naval Base, Charleston, South Carolina and was being swept under the water, Seaman Apprentice Walsh, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, unhesitatingly plunged into the turbulent waters in an effort to save the drowning man. His courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, in an attempt to save the drowning man, reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.