The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Jody Lee Batiste, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighth Marines, on the evening of 20 March 1978 in Carboneras, Spain. Observing the crash of a CH-53 helicopter, Lance Corporal Batiste, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal danger involved, unhesitatingly moved forward and forced his way into the wreckage despite repeated warnings that the aircraft could explode at any moment. Discovering that many of the injured were trapped, he began clearing away the debris and used a knife to cut packs and flak jackets off the casualties to further life-saving and rescue efforts. Lance Corporal Batiste remained inside the wreckage, with no chance for his own escape, until he was certain that all casualties had been removed. In addition, he remained in the vicinity to further assist in moving casualties to evacuation helicopters and to assist in providing security for the crash site. Lance Corporal Batiste’s prompt and courageous actions in the face of great risk undoubtedly helped save several lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.