The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Hull Maintenance Technician First Class Randolph R. McClary, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board U.S.S. CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG-5) following the collision of U.S.S. BELKNAP (CG-26) and U.S.S. JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in the Ionian Sea on 22 and 23 November 1975. While engaged in rescue operations and firefighting assistance to BELKNAP, Petty Officer McClary, serving as a Repair Party Leader of Repair FIVE and the Leading Damage Control Petty Officer, organized the rescue and assistance teams in the midship and aft area of the ship. Despite falling, burning debris and shrapnel from exploding ordnance from the fiercely burning BELKNAP, he was constantly moving about to direct and encourage his hose teams, many of which were composed of personnel outside the damage control organization, thus ensuring that they were properly stationed, equipped, and prepared. His professional knowledge and inspiring leadership were directly responsible for the rapid control of the blaze and for the suppression of secondary explosions. After the fires were under control, he was instrumental in the transfer of needed damage control equipment to BELKNAP. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer McClary undoubtedly made a significant contribution in bringing the conflagration of BELKNAP under control with resultant saving of many lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.