The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Chief Photographer’s Mate Willard Burkhardt (Burkhart) (NSN: 3108766), United States Navy, for heroism in rescuing nine men from the immediate area of two crashed and burning airplanes on Yontan Airfield, Okinawa, on 30 July 1945. When he saw the crash, he drove a jeep to a point about two hundred yards from the burning planes, where three of the victims were lying face down on the ground. At this time, much ammunition was exploding over the entire area. He superintended placing two of the men in litters and getting them into an ambulance while first aid was being administered to the third man. During this time, two bomb explosions occurred. He then assisted in treating two more badly burned men who were sent off in a second ambulance. Then he saw two more men stumbling in a dazed condition within one hundred feet of the fire. Driving to them in the jeep, he put out the fire in their clothing and carried them in the jeep to a first aid station. Despite danger from exploding ammunition and bombs, he returned in the jeep to the vicinity of the burning planes, where he picked up two more men and lead them aboard, picking up another on the way to the first aid station. At this time another bomb exploded, throwing fragments of metal and coral over the area. During this time he exhibited the greatest coolness despite the danger to his own life, and reassured and calmed the patients. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.