The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Corporal William E. Baitinger, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving at Marine Barracks, 8th and I Streets, Washington, D.C. on 24 February 1982. While refueling his car at a gas station, Corporal Baitinger witnessed a mishap in which a car left the adjacent roadway and smashed through two gasoline pumps and into another car. Observing both vehicles immediately engulfed in flames, he instantly grasped control of the situation. Corporal Baitinger first directed shocked bystanders away from the scene. Then, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he unhesitatingly raced to the car which caused the mishap because the driver made no attempt to exit his burning vehicle. He found the driver in a state, later diagnosed as diabetic seizure. Corporal Baitinger had to pry his hands from the steering wheel and single handedly removed him to safety. Only moments later both vehicles erupted in a violent explosion that would have meant certain death for the stricken man. By his courageous and prompt actions in the face of personal risk, Corporal Baitinger was instrumental in saving the man’s life of being burned to death; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.