The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Ensign Robert E. Huffman, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct when a fully loaded gasoline truck accidentally became ignited at the Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, on 1 May 1943. Ensign Huffman sounded the alarm, obtained a fire extinguisher and successfully fought the spreading flames. His timely action undoubtedly prevented a disastrous explosion.