The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman First Class Joseph William Duffield, III, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism in assisting to extricate the pilot of a carrier-based airplane which crashed and burned on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24) on 30 August 194r, and in continuing to assist in extinguishing the flight deck fire. In spite of the fact that the overturned plane had burst into flames, he ran to the cockpit of the plane and succeeded, with the assistance of others, in extricating the pilot who was unconscious due to the crash. He then continued to assist in extinguishing the flight deck fire. His utter disregard for his own safety was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.