(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Machinist’s Mate Second Class Daniel Russell, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism at the risk of live while serving on board the U.S.S. GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) during a fire on 22 May 2008. Petty Officer Russell and three comrades fought for six hours to free four sailors trapped in an aviation fuel pumping room. Intense heat cause the team to turn back after battling down the nearly vertical ladders in the trunk space that led to the pump room deep within the hull. They persisted in efforts, unbolting the nuts securing the hatch, while one member slipped through to locate the sailors who were subsequently rescued.