The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Hospitalman William W. Wicker, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as an Emergency Medical Technician at the scene of a collapsed freeway structure in downtown Oakland, California, on 17 October 1989, after the San Francisco Bay Area was devastated by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. While on a routine ambulance transport, Hospitalman Wicker was diverted to the site of the disaster and was one of the first medical personnel on the scene. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, he unhesitatingly climbed onto the unstable structure and conducted search and rescue operations for trapped victims. In addition to performing preliminary first aid on injured victims, he coordinated the utilization of civilian bystanders to facilitate the removal of casualties. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of personal risk, Hospitalman Wicker undoubtedly saved the lives of many victims and facilitated the location and prompt removal of numerous fatalities; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.