The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Robert Kelly Disser, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in rescuing a fellow officer when the plane on which he was a passenger crashed en route to Corpus Christi, Texas, on 20 January 1945. Thrown clear of the wreckage following the impact, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Disser regained consciousness to find that the plane was ablaze and, despite his weakened condition due to severe injuries received in the crash, immediately made his way to the burning area to search for other survivors. Finding the door jammed, he obtained access to the inside through the navigation hatch and pulled an unconscious, severely burned fellow officer from the wreckage, sustaining burns himself while performing his hazardous task. Locating the pilot and co-pilot and finding both mortally injured, he wrapped the surviving officer in blankets and parachutes and throughout the night, administered aid and cared for his companion. After the heavy fog lifted at daybreak, he proceeded to the nearest habitation to secure help and, making a complete report and obtaining medical assistance, returned to the scene. By his fearless initiative, and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of another, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Disser contributed to the saving of a life and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.