The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Timothy M. Downs, United States Navy, for heroism while serving at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland, on 27 March 1983. Upon sighting a fire in a residential trailer park, Petty Officer Downs, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the dangers involved, unhesitatingly entered the burning trailer in an effort to assist possible occupants. Upon entry, Petty Officer Downs was informed by the dazed owner that her babies were also in there and immediately proceeded to locate them. He succeeded in assisting the lady’s infant and four-year old to safety; then tried repeatedly to reach a male occupant in the middle bedroom. The male occupant managed to exit through a bedroom window. In the course of the rescue, Petty Officer Downs was constantly exposed to smoke, flames, and falling debris. Before abandoning the burning structure, he conducted a room-by-room search on his hands and knees to ensure there were no other persons inside. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Downs was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the lives of four people; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.