The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Hull Maintenance Technician Third Class Greg A. Ball, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board U.S.S. IMPLICIT (MSO-455) at Tacoma, Washington, on 27 march 1981. Upon arrival at the scene of a fiery, head-on automobile collision, Petty Officer Ball immediately ran to the engulfed vehicles to be of assistance to the passengers. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal danger involved, Petty Officer Ball and a fellow sailor unhesitatingly began extricating a total of eight young girls from the burning wreckage. One of the girls, a driver, was unconscious and trapped between the seat and steering wheel. Despite the imminent danger of a dual explosion, Petty Officer Ball and the other rescuer broke the back of the seat and pulled her through the seat belt which could not be unfastened. Carrying her to a place of safety, Petty Officer Ball then administered first aid to her and the other victims until medical assistance arrived. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Ball undoubtedly saved the lives of eight young girls; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.