The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Kenneth Rushing, United States Navy, for heroism on board U.S.S. WHIPPLE (FF-1062) on 22 August 1978 while participating in the humanitarian rescue of 410 Vietnamese refugees at sea. During the boarding attempt, the refugee boat kept crashing against U.S.S. WHIPPLE. Seaman Rushing saw that many adults and children were in a state of near panic and unable to climb up the provided safety nets. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, he unhesitatingly donned a safety harness and organized a rescue support team. Timing his movements to the erratic roll of the two vessels, Seaman Rushing then lowered himself overboard and was able to pull many of the refugees to safety. By his courageous and prompt actions, Seaman Rushing undoubtedly saved a substantial number of lives and prevented many serious injuries; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.