The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lance Corporal Kieth James Burleigh, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division at Camp Fuji, Japan, on 19 October 1979. Lance Corporal Burleigh was in the Camp Fuji Training Camp laundry building when a fire started by Typhoon TIP engulfed most of the camp. As he and other personnel rushed toward the door and safety, the building virtually exploded and was filled with flames. Upon reaching a position of relative safety outside the laundry, Lance Corporal Burleigh realized that one of the Japanese women who worked in the laundry had not escaped with the rest and was not trapped in the blazing buildings. Responding immediately and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Burleigh ran back to the laundry and plunged into the flames as he re-entered it in hope of recovering the woman before she succumbed to the heat and smoke. Groping his way through the smoke and fire, Lance Corporal Burleigh located the dazed woman lying on the floor unable to moved. Although nearly overcome by the intense heat and smoke and despite sustaining third degree burns to his face, he struggled to her side, beat the flames out on her clothing with his bare hands, and then fought his way back through the smoke and flames as he carried her to safety. Lance Corporal Burleigh’s prompt and courageous action at great personal risk undoubtedly saved the Japanese woman’s life; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.