The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Seaman Richard Mark Cameron, United States Navy, for heroism while serving on board U.S.S. Seattle (AOE-3) on 3 January 1981. After seeing a sailor fall from a paint stage on the starboard bow of U.S.S. CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG-5) into near freezing waters and become threatened with drowning, Seaman Cameron, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the dangers involved, unhesitatingly plunged from a nearby sea wall into the cold waters to effect a rescue attempt. His prompt and courageous actions undoubtedly helped to save the life of a shipmate. Seaman Cameron’s heroic performance in a situation fraught with grave personal risk reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.