The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Constructionman Recruit Charles Edward Harris, United States Navy, for heroism while serving at Naval Construction Training Center, Port Hueneme, California, on 23 January 1983. Upon hearing of a man struggling for his life in the storm-swelled sea, Constructionman Recruit Harris, fully aware of the personal dangers involved and with complete disregard for his own safety, immediately plunged into the chilling 42-degree ocean with turbulent fifteen foot swells in an effort to rescue the drowning swimmer. Despite being only a Class IV swimmer, Constructionman Recruit Harris’ unselfish heroic act and prompt action in the face of sure and present danger to himself undoubtedly saved the swimmer from drowning, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.